recessive

[ ri-ses-iv ]

adjective

1. tending to go, move, or slant back; receding. recede.
2. Genetics. of or relating to a recessive.
3. Phonetics. (of an accent) showing a tendency to recede from the end toward the beginning of a word.

noun

, Genetics.

1. that one of a pair of alternative alleles whose effect is masked by the activity of the second when both are present in the same cell or organism.
2. the trait or character determined by such an allele. Compare dominant ( def 6 ).

recessive

/ rɪˈsɛsɪv /

adjective

1. tending to recede or go back; receding
2. genetics
   1. (of a gene) capable of producing its characteristic phenotype in the organism only when its allele is identical
   2. (of a character) controlled by such a gene Compare dominant
3. linguistics (of stress) tending to be placed on or near the initial syllable of a polysyllabic word

noun

1. genetics
   1. a recessive gene or character
   2. an organism having such a gene or character

recessive

/ rĭ-sĕs′ĭv /

1. Relating to the form of a gene that is not expressed as a trait in an individual unless two such genes are inherited, one from each parent. In an organism having two different genes for a trait, the recessive form is overpowered by its counterpart, or dominant, form located on the other of a pair of chromosomes. In humans, lack of dimples is a recessive trait, while the presence of dimples is dominant.
2. See more at carrierCompare dominant

Derived Forms

• reˈcessiveness, noun
• reˈcessively, adverb

Other Words From

• re·cessive·ly adverb
• re·cessive·ness noun
• nonre·cessive adjective
• unre·cessive adjective
• unre·cessive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of recessive¹

1665–75; < Latin recess ( us ) ( recess ) + -ive

Example Sentences

For Olsen, the part of the shy, recessive Christina felt more distanced from her recent roles in the series “Love & Death” or as part of the extended Marvel Cinematic Universe.

From Los Angeles Times

Cockayne syndrome is a severe autosomal recessive disorder caused by defective DNA repair mechanisms.

From Science Daily

Shy and recessive in person, Mr. Montana was nonetheless a born showman.

From New York Times

Erythrism is likely caused by a recessive genetic mutation that triggers an increased production of red pigmentation in areas of fur or skin that are typically black, such as the badger’s facial stripes.

From National Geographic

White penguins are rare because leucism is a recessive gene, and they may be more vulnerable to predators due to being more easily seen.

From BBC