genetics

[juh-net-iks] /dʒəˈnɛt ɪks/
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.
Origin
see genetic, -ics; term first proposed in this sense by British biologist William Bateson (1861-1926) in 1905
Examples from the web for genetics
  • The new study suggests that, if anything, the genetics of the disorder are even more complex than many had presumed.
  • Responsible for teaching genetics and cell biology lectures and laboratories.
  • Dachshunds also featured in her third example-the genetics of dog-hair.
  • It is using genetics as a tool to study history and anthropology.
  • Heritability allows us to examine how genetics directly impact an individual's height.
  • All it means is that genetics reveals things about the cultural past that people sometimes have forgotten or ignored.
  • Tags: genetics of normal variation, pre-natal genetic diagnosis.
  • There may be opportunities for teaching more advanced courses in the biological sciences and genetics.
  • For the cure of cancer, research on genetics is really important.
  • Tags: gene-environment interactions, genetics of normal variation, genetics of personality.
British Dictionary definitions for genetics

genetics

/dʒɪˈnɛtɪks/
noun
1.
(functioning as sing) 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
Word Origin and History for genetics
n.

1872, "laws of origination;" see genetic + -ics. A coinage of English biologist William Bateson (1861-1926). Meaning "study of heredity" is from 1891.

genetics in Medicine

genetics ge·net·ics (jə-nět'ĭks)
n.
The branch of biology that deals with heredity, especially the mechanisms of hereditary transmission and the variation of inherited traits among similar or related organisms.

genetics in Science
genetics
  (jə-nět'ĭks)   
The scientific study of the principles of heredity and the variation of inherited traits among related organisms.
genetics in Culture

genetics definition


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.)