hereditary

One entry found for hereditary.

Main Entry: he·red·i·tary
Pronunciation: h&-'re-d&-"ter-E
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English hereditarie, from Latin hereditarius, from hereditas
1 a : genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring b : characteristic of or fostered by one's predecessors
2 a : received or passing by inheritance or required to pass by inheritance or by reason of birth b : having title or possession through inheritance or by reason of birth
3 : of a kind established by tradition <hereditary enemies>
4 : of or relating to inheritance or heredity
synonym see INNATE
- he·red·i·tar·i·ly /-"re-d&-'ter-&-lE/ adverb