genetics

noun

ge·​net·​ics jə-ˈne-tiks 

plural in form but singular in construction

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

geneticist

jə-ˈne-tə-sist 

noun

Examples of genetics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Oncologists disagree on how broadly genetics discoveries will transform cancer diagnosis. — Arthur Allen, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

In the past decade or so, some genetics researchers have had remarkable success in identifying high-impact genetic differences in a subset of people with profound autism. — Pien Huang, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

To mitigate those losses, scientists are developing a wide range of tools—combining advances in genetics, breeding, and crop physiology—to make agriculture more resilient to climate risks. — Derek Norman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Many families face significant barriers to obtaining testing, including long waitlists, limited access to genetics specialists, insurance denials and uncertainty about which tests to order and when. — Eliza Goldwasser, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing genetics

• molecular genetics

Rhymes for genetics

• aesthetics
• ascetics
• asthmatics
• athletics
• cosmetics
• emetics
• esthetics
• kinetics
• magnetics
• phonetics
• poetics
• prosthetics

Kids Definition

genetics

noun

ge·​net·​ics jə-ˈnet-iks 

: a branch of biology that deals with the inherited traits and variation of organisms

Medical Definition

genetics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction

ge·​net·​ics jə-ˈnet-iks 

1

a

: 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