nonhereditary

adjective

non·​he·​red·​i·​tary ˌnän-hə-ˈre-də-ˌter-ē 

variants or non-hereditary

: not hereditary

a nonhereditary title

nonhereditary diseases

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Resulting from a random, typically nonhereditary genetic mutation, the disease affects about one in every 10,000 live births in the U.S. and can severely impact a person’s mental and physical development, and life span. —Amanda Blanco, courant.com, 19 Sep. 2021

Other research shows that nonhereditary forms can result from other factors, including existing medical conditions and diet, reports Maya Yang of the Guardian. —David Kindy, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Aug. 2021

Evan, who turns 2 in December, was born with Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare, nonhereditary genetic disorder that has a most cruel and unusual symptom — chronic hunger. —Maureen C. Gilmer, Indianapolis Star, 14 Sep. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nonhereditary

adjective

non·​he·​red·​i·​tary

variants or non-hereditary

-hə-ˈred-ə-ˌter-ē 

: not hereditary

nonhereditary cancers