inheritance
UK: ɪnˈhɛrɪtəns | US: ɪnˈhɛrɪtəns
n. property, title, or genetic traits received from an ancestor
n. the act of inheriting
n. (computing) the mechanism by which a class acquires properties from another class
The word "inheritance" stems from the Old French enheriter (to inherit), derived from Latin inhereditare, combining in- (into) + hereditas (heirship). The root heres (heir) reflects the concept of legal or biological succession. Over time, the suffix -ance solidified its noun form, broadening from tangible property to abstract traits (e.g., genetic or computational inheritance).
She received a large inheritance from her grandfather.
The inheritance of genetic traits follows Mendelian principles.
The duke claimed his inheritance of the estate.
In programming, inheritance allows code reuse between classes.
Cultural inheritance shapes societal values across generations.