Heredity Meaning and Definition
Heredity
Pronunciation
/hɪˈrɛdɪti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The passing of characteristics or traits from parents to their offspring, either biologically or socially.
Examples
- The study of heredity has led to a better understanding of genetic disorders.
- Heredity plays a significant role in the development of certain personality traits.
Synonyms
- Inheritance
- Genetics
Antonyms
- Environment
- Culture
Additional Information
Heredity is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been studied extensively in various fields, including biology, psychology, and sociology. The study of heredity has led to significant advances in our understanding of human development, behavior, and health. Furthermore, heredity is an important factor in the development of many medical conditions, making it a critical area of research in the field of medicine.
Heredity can also influence an individual’s physical characteristics, such as eye color, hair color, and facial structure, as well as their susceptibility to certain diseases.
Understanding heredity is crucial for the development of new treatments and cures for genetic disorders, as well as for the advancement of personalized medicine.
Etymology
The word “heredity” comes from the Latin word “haereditas,” meaning “inherited property” or “heirloom.”
Usage Notes
When using the term “heredity” in a sentence, it is often followed by the phrase “of” or “in,” indicating the type of characteristic or trait being discussed.
Cultural References
Heredity has been featured prominently in popular culture, with examples including the TV show “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and the novel “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Like father, like son” is an idiomatic phrase that illustrates the concept of heredity.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words include “inherited,” “heritage,” and “genetic.”
Collocations
Heredity is often collocated with words such as “traits,” “characteristics,” and “patterns.”
Frequency of Use
The frequency of the word “heredity” in modern language is relatively low, but it is gaining importance in fields such as genetics and personalized medicine.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “heredity” include “hereditt” and “heradity.”