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genetics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction
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ge·​net·​ics | \ jə-ˈne-tiks How to pronounce genetics (audio) \

Definition of genetics

1 : a branch of biology that deals with the heredity and variation of organisms
2 : the genetic makeup and phenomena of an organism, type, group, or condition
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Other Words from genetics

geneticist \ jə-​ˈne-​tə-​sist How to pronounce genetics (audio) \ noun

Examples of genetics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And, over time, the field of genetics research moved on. — New York Times, "Bryan Sykes, Who Saw the Ancient Past in Genes, Dies at 73," 6 Jan. 2021 The team also hopes to learn more about the diet and genetics of the coyotes. — Kurtis Alexander, SFChronicle.com, "There’s been a rise in coyote-human encounters. New Bay Area parks program aims to understand why," 31 Dec. 2020 Also fact: Sometimes their beautiful and adorable faces look beautiful and adorable in very similar ways (thanks, genetics!). — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Looks Just Like Prince Louis in This Vintage Picture," 29 Dec. 2020 Other possible factors, such as climate, genetics, or immunity due to previous exposure to other pathogens, haven’t yet been fully investigated. — Linda Nordling, Science | AAAS, "A Kenyan health economist investigates the pandemic's puzzling course in his country," 29 Dec. 2020 As a result, instead of being arbitrary, our system of biological classification conforms perfectly with the nested, branching patterns of evolutionary relationships demonstrated by anatomy, physiology and genetics. — David P. Barash, WSJ, "‘The Story of Evolution in 25 Discoveries’ Review: The Branching Tree of Life," 29 Dec. 2020 And, of course, everyone is different and factors like allergies, diet, environment, and genetics play a role in your acne. — Bella Cacciatore, Glamour, "This Acne Face Map Can Determine Why You're Always Breaking Out in the Same Spot," 28 Dec. 2020 Zits pop up as a result of excess oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation, among other factors, which are caused by things like individual genetics, hormones, and stress. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "Why More People Are Getting Body Acne Than Ever," 26 Dec. 2020 Topics include learning when to get a mammogram; managing screening with dense breasts; risk factors and the role of genetics in breast cancer; the dangers of skipping annual screening; and a question and answer period. — courant.com, "Community News For The Hebron Edition," 24 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'genetics.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of genetics

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Time Traveler for genetics

Time Traveler

The first known use of genetics was in 1905

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Statistics for genetics

Last Updated

21 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Genetics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetics. Accessed 27 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for genetics

genetics

noun
How to pronounce genetics (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of genetics

: the scientific study of how genes control the characteristics of plants and animals

genetics

noun
ge·​net·​ics | \ jə-ˈne-tiks How to pronounce genetics (audio) \

Kids Definition of genetics

: the scientific study of how the characteristics of living things are controlled by genes

genetics

noun plural but singular in construction
ge·​net·​ics | \ jə-ˈnet-iks How to pronounce genetics (audio) \

Medical Definition of genetics

1a : a branch of biology that deals with the heredity and variation of organisms
b : a treatise or textbook on genetics
2 : the genetic makeup and phenomena of an organism, type, group, or condition

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More from Merriam-Webster on genetics

Nglish: Translation of genetics for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of genetics for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about genetics

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