Hereditary Traits

noun a recessive gene or trait

adjective relating to or denoting heritable characteristics controlled by genes that are expressed in offspring only when inherited from both parents

• The recessive gene was passed down from both parents, resulting in the expression of the trait.
• My sister got the recessive gene for blue eyes from our grandparents.
• I guess I got stuck with the recessive gene for being short.
• His recessive personality traits tend to come out when he's feeling overwhelmed.

noun a person or animal with more than the normal number of fingers or toes

adjective relating to having more than the normal number of fingers or toes

• The medical term for having extra fingers or toes is polydactyl.
• My friend's cat is polydactyl, with extra toes on each paw.
• I heard that having a polydactyl cat brings good luck!
• His polydactyl mind seemed to grasp complex concepts effortlessly.