phylogenetic

adjective

phy·​lo·​ge·​net·​ic ˌfī-lō-jə-ˈne-tik 

1

: of or relating to phylogeny

2

: based on natural evolutionary relationships

3

: acquired in the course of phylogenetic development : racial

phylogenetically

ˌfī-lō-jə-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of phylogenetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Amber entombment preserved fine anatomical details — crucial for identifying convergent skull traits — yet also constrains phylogenetic resolution, since only cranial material is available. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Using the new computer model, the team analyzed the phylogenetic tree — evolutionary tree — of archosauromorphs and compared it against dispersal routes that were based on landscape connectivity. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2025

Another approach, the phylogenetic species concept, emphasizes ancestry instead of breeding. —Elay Shech, The Conversation, 30 May 2025

It has been determined to be a new strain through morphological observation, genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and metabolic profiling, belonging to the genus Niallia within the family Cytobacillaceae. —Andrew Jones, Space.com, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin phylogenesis phylogeny, from phyl- + genesis

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for phylogenetic

• aeromagnetic
• antiemetic
• antipathetic
• apologetic
• biogenetic
• biomimetic
• biosynthetic
• cytogenetic
• diagenetic
• diamagnetic
• diaphoretic
• epigenetic

Medical Definition

phylogenetic

adjective

phy·​lo·​ge·​net·​ic ˌfī-lō-jə-ˈnet-ik 

1

: of or relating to phylogeny

2

: based on natural evolutionary relationships

3

: acquired in the course of phylogenetic development

phylogenetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb