genetic

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Relating to genes or to the genes you inherit from your parents.

   Eye color is determined by genetic factors.

2. 2
   adj

   Relating to genetics, the science of how characteristics are passed on.

   The lab is doing important genetic research on rare diseases.

3. 3
   adj

   Passed from parents to children within a family; inherited.

   Heart disease can be genetic, so doctors ask about your family history.

Coined from genesis, similarly to antithesis, antithetic. Reflects Ancient Greek γενετικός (genetikós), from γένεσις (génesis) + -κός (-kós). Ultimately from Ancient Greek γίγνομαι (gígnomai, “I come into being”). By surface analysis, gene + -tic or gen(esis) + -etic.

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