heredity — the passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another
Pronunciation (IPA): /həˈredəti/
Example Sentences
- My terrible sense of direction must be heredity - my mom gets lost in her own neighborhood!
- Scientists study heredity to understand how traits are passed from parents to children.
- His musical talent seems to be heredity - both his parents are professional musicians.
heredity
NOUN[/həˈredəti/]
the passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another
The doctor explained how heredity passes certain traits from parents to children.
The scientist studied heredity by comparing traits shared by parents and their children. (heredity → inherited traits passed from parents to children)
Heredity shaped the family's identity across generations.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Heredity derives from Latin 'hereditas', which stems from 'heres' (heir, inheritor). In ancient Rome, the term encompassed not only the transmission of property but also the inheritance of family characteristics and traits.
Breakdown
hereditas (inheritance, estate) + -ty (noun suffix forming abstract nouns), where hereditas itself originates from heres (heir) + -itas (state or condition of).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My terrible sense of direction must be heredity - my mom gets lost in her own neighborhood!”
“Scientists study heredity to understand how traits are passed from parents to children.”
“His musical talent seems to be heredity - both his parents are professional musicians.”
“Thanks to heredity, I inherited my dad's height and my mom's inability to reach anything on high shelves.”
📚Related Words
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