heredity
UK: hɪˈrɛdɪti | US: həˈrɛdɪti
n. the passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another
n. the genetic constitution of an individual organism
heredity = hered<inherit> + ity<noun suffix>
- hered (from Latin hered-, stem of heres "heir," meaning "to inherit")
- ity (noun-forming suffix indicating state or condition, from Latin -itas)
Etymology Origin:
The word "heredity" traces back to Latin hereditas ("inheritance"), derived from heres ("heir"). It entered English via Old French heredité in the 16th century, originally referring to legal inheritance before evolving to its modern biological sense in the 19th century. The morpheme hered- preserves the core idea of transmission, while -ity abstracts it into a concept.
Heredity plays a key role in determining eye color and height.
Scientists study heredity to understand genetic diseases.
The theory of heredity was revolutionized by Mendel's experiments.
Cultural traits are not passed down through biological heredity.
Modern medicine explores how heredity and environment interact.