Heredity
[hɪ'redɪtɪ] or [hə'rɛdəti]
Definition
(noun.) the total of inherited attributes.
(noun.) the biological process whereby genetic factors are transmitted from one generation to the next.
Editor: Maureen--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) Hereditary transmission of the physical and psychical qualities of parents to their offspring; the biological law by which living beings tend to repeat their characteristics in their descendants. See Pangenesis.
Editor: Rochelle
Definition
n. the organic relation between generations esp. between parents and offspring: the transmission of qualities from the parents or ancestors to their offspring.—adj. Hered′itable that may be inherited.—ns. Heredit′ament all property of whatever kind that may pass to an heir.—adv. Hered′itarily.—n. Hered′itariness the quality of being hereditary.—adj. Hered′itary descending by inheritance: transmitted from parents to their offspring.
Inputed by Andre
Unserious Contents or Definition
The cause of all our faults. From Fr. here, wretch, and Eng. ditty, song. The song of the wretched.
Typed by Jerry
Examples
- Most of its motives are purely instinctive, and all the mental life that it has is the result of heredity (birth inheritance). H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- I am sure that you cannot fail to be delighted with the traces of heredity shown in the p's and in the tails of the g's. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.
- Thus taken, the influence of heredity is opposed to that of the environment, and the efficacy of the latter belittled. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- That life, if there is anything in heredity, is very far from finished; and while it continues there will be new achievement. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- Now, in every fiber of his being, heredity spoke louder than training. Edgar Rice Burroughs. Tarzan of the Apes.
- In this sense, heredity is a limit of education. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- The relation of heredity and environment is well expressed in the case of language. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- And so heredity, from being a curse, may become a blessing. Plato. The Republic.
- But for educational purposes heredity means neither more nor less than the original endowment of an individual. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
Inputed by Kurt