heredity

[ huh-red-i-tee ]

noun

, Biology.

, plural he·red·i·ties.

1. the transmission of genetic characters from parents to offspring: it is dependent upon the segregation and recombination of genes during meiosis and fertilization and results in the genesis of a new individual similar to others of its kind but exhibiting certain variations resulting from the particular mix of genes and their interactions with the environment.
2. the genetic characters so transmitted.

heredity

/ hɪˈrɛdɪtɪ /

noun

1. the transmission from one generation to another of genetic factors that determine individual characteristics: responsible for the resemblances between parents and offspring
2. the sum total of the inherited factors or their characteristics in an organism

heredity

/ hə-rĕd′ĭ-tē /

1. The passage of biological traits or characteristics from parents to offspring through the inheritance of genes.

heredity

1. The passing of characteristics from parents to children. ( See genetics .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of heredity¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Middle French heredite, from Latin hērēditāt-, stem of hērēditās “inheritance,” from hērēd- (stem of hērēs ) heir + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of heredity¹

C16: from Old French heredite, from Latin hērēditās inheritance; see heir

Example Sentences

The emperor was not chosen by heredity, like most other monarchies.

From Salon

It’s a Gothic, environmental take on heredity as well as inheritance, with one of the Haddesley daughters, Wenna, challenging both as human and earthen secrets bubble to the surface.

From Los Angeles Times

In these biological DNA letters our heredity is stored.

From Science Daily

While the researchers theorize that acetaminophen could have altered how the fathers' genes work, Damkier said that the more likely explanation is that the analysis didn't sufficiently adjust for heredity.

From Salon

As Professor Fredkin was quoted as saying in that article, DNA, the fundamental building block of heredity, is “a good example of digitally encoded information.”

From New York Times