heritable

adjective

her·​i·​ta·​ble ˈher-ə-tə-bəl 

ˈhe-rə-

1

: capable of being inherited or of passing by inheritance

2

: hereditary

Synonyms

• genetic
• genetical
• hereditary
• inborn
• inheritable
• inherited

Examples of heritable in a Sentence

heritable characteristics like skin and eye and hair color

Recent Examples on the Web

Behavioral traits have a heritable component and are more readily observable than skeletal structure when assessing a dog's suitability for specific work. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025

In fact, researchers say, autism is between 60 and 90 percent heritable. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2025

Endometriosis is heritable, and both my mom and grandma had it. —Sarah Bence, Health, 4 Mar. 2025

In an old but often-cited Danish study on twins, researchers found that about 25 percent of longevity was heritable—in other words, predetermined by your genes. —Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, from heriter "to inherit, make an heir" + -able -able — more at heritage

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for heritable

• inheritable
• veritable

Kids Definition

heritable

adjective

her·​i·​ta·​ble ˈher-ət-ə-bəl 

: capable of being inherited : hereditary

heritable differences in structure

Medical Definition

heritable

adjective

her·​i·​ta·​ble ˈher-ət-ə-bəl 

: hereditary

one of several heritable childhood cancers

—W. K. Cavenee et al.

Legal Definition

heritable

adjective

her·​i·​ta·​ble ˈher-ə-tə-bəl 

: inheritable