Pronunciation: /həˈrɛdəti/

Definitions of heredity

noun the passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another

Example Sentences

A1 Heredity determines certain traits that are passed down from parents to offspring.

A2 Scientists study heredity to understand how genetic information is inherited.

B1 Genetic testing can provide information about an individual's heredity and potential health risks.

B2 The study of heredity has led to advancements in genetic engineering and personalized medicine.

C1 Heredity plays a significant role in the development of certain genetic disorders and diseases.

C2 Understanding the complexities of heredity requires a deep knowledge of genetics and molecular biology.

adjective hereditary

Example Sentences

Examples of heredity in a Sentence

formal The study of heredity is crucial in understanding how traits are passed down from one generation to the next.

informal My family has a history of heart disease, so I'm always mindful of my heredity when it comes to my health.

slang I got my curly hair from my mom, it's all in the heredity.

figurative Just like how we inherit physical traits from our parents, we also inherit certain personality traits through heredity.

Grammatical Forms of heredity

plural

heredities

comparative

more hereditary

superlative

most hereditary

present tense

inherits

future tense

will inherit

perfect tense

has inherited

continuous tense

is inheriting

singular

heredity

positive degree

heredity

infinitive

to inherit

gerund

inheriting

participle

inherited

Origin and Evolution of heredity

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'heredity' originated from the Latin word 'hereditas', which means inheritance.
Evolution of the word: Initially used in the context of passing down traits or characteristics from parents to offspring, the meaning of 'heredity' has evolved to encompass the broader concept of genetic inheritance and the transmission of traits through generations.