recessive

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Describing a gene whose effect only appears when both inherited copies carry it; the opposite of dominant.

   Blue eyes are caused by a recessive gene, so both parents must carry it.

2. 2
   adj

   Not dominant; having an effect that is hidden or overshadowed by something stronger.

   In their partnership his quieter, more recessive personality balanced her forceful one.

3. 3
   noun

   A gene or trait that only shows up when paired with an identical recessive one.

   The disorder is passed on as a recessive, so it can skip generations.

From Latin recēdō + -ive, or directly from New Latin recessīvus.

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