genetics

[juh-net-iks]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. Biology.,  the science of heredity, dealing with resemblances and differences of related organisms resulting from the interaction of their genes and the environment.

2. the genetic properties and phenomena of an organism.

genetics

/ dʒɪˈnɛtɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the branch of biology concerned with the study of heredity and variation in organisms

2. the genetic features and constitution of a single organism, species, or group

genetics

1. The scientific study of the principles of heredity and the variation of inherited traits among related organisms.

genetics

1. The study of heredity, or how the characteristics of living things are transmitted from one generation to the next. Every living thing contains the genetic material that makes up DNA molecules. This material is passed on when organisms reproduce. The basic unit of heredity is the gene. (See chromosomes; dominant trait; genetic code; Gregor Mendel; recessive trait; and sexual reproduction.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of genetics¹

First recorded in 1905; genetic, -ics; term first proposed in this sense by British biologist William Bateson (1861–1926)

Example Sentences

"I think part of it is my genetics and growing into a bit more of a man's body. I think that took me a long time."

From BBC

"We want to understand our ancestry and the migration routes of our ancestors," says professor G Kumaresan, who heads the genetics department at the university.

From BBC

But she offered Hertz-Picciotto her experience in genetics and epidemiology as well as the considerable resources of her agency.

From Salon

On Aug. 12, under a federal judge’s court order, the NSF reinstated the grant, which studies how genetics data in mass medical records can be used to identify potential risk factors for disease.

From Los Angeles Times

“I definitely got the size genetics,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ancestry 
• lineage