genetic

adjective

ge·​net·​ic jə-ˈne-tik 

variants or less commonly genetical

jə-ˈne-ti-kəl 

1

: relating to or determined by the origin, development, or causal antecedents of something

2

a

: of, relating to, or involving genetics

b

: of, relating to, caused by, or controlled by genes

a genetic disease

genetic variation

genetically

jə-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of genetic

• hereditary
• inherent
• inherited
• inheritable

Examples of genetic in a Sentence

hemophilia and other genetic medical disorders

Recent Examples on the Web

Because diet, exercise, metabolic disease and genetic predisposition all interact with these epigenetic pathways, hormone therapy alone cannot fully address the risk. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026

The siblings — who live with a rare, often fatal genetic condition called Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD) — are nonverbal, require tube feeding and need around-the-clock care. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026

The fruit from the new tree may vary in size, flavor, and color due to genetic variability and the potential for cross-pollination. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026

So that means that there’s rather limited genetic diversity. —Torie Bosch, STAT, 6 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

genesis

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing genetic

• genetic code
• genetic counseling
• genetic drift
• genetic engineering
• genetic fingerprinting
• genetic load
• genetic map
• genetic marker
• genetic modification
• genetic mutation

Rhymes for genetic

• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• aeromagnetic
• antiemetic
• antipathetic
• apologetic
• biogenetic
• biomimetic

Kids Definition

genetic

adjective

ge·​net·​ic jə-ˈnet-ik 

variants also genetical

-i-kəl 

: of, relating to, or involving genes or genetics

genetic research

also : caused or controlled by genes

a genetic disease

genetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

genetic

adjective

ge·​net·​ic jə-ˈnet-ik 

variants also genetical

-i-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or involving genetics

2

: of, relating to, caused by, or controlled by genes

a genetic disease

genetic material

compare acquired sense 1

genetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb