genetic

ge-net-ic · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Relating to genes or heredity; pertaining to the passing of traits from parents to offspring.

  2. 2.

    Relating to the origin or development of something.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    genetic engineering — the modification of genes
  • •
    genetic code — the sequence of nucleotides in DNA
  • •
    genetic disorder — an illness caused by gene abnormalities
  • •
    genetic makeup — the combination of genes in an organism

Related words

Antonyms: acquired, environmental
See also: DNA, gene, genetics, hereditary
Synonyms: genomic, hereditary, inherited

Etymology

From Greek genetikos ("pertaining to birth"), from genesis ("origin"). The modern biological sense developed in the early 20th century with the science of genetics.