What does genetic mean?
Genetic is an adjective meaning relating to genes, heredity, or the inheritance of characteristics. It is used extensively in biology, medicine, genetics, agriculture, and related fields, as in genetic testing, genetic variation, genetic modification, and genetic disorders. In general discussion, genetic can identify traits or conditions associated with inherited biological factors, especially when contrasted with acquired or environmental influences. The word is closely related to the noun genetics, the branch of science that studies genes and heredity, and to the adverb genetically. Its implications are often scientific and technical, but it is also familiar in public discussions of health, identity, ancestry, and biotechnology. Because many biological traits arise from interactions among multiple genes and environmental conditions, the word should not automatically be taken to mean that a trait is fixed or unchangeable.
adjectiveRelating to genes, heredity, or the transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring. It may also describe something caused by genetic factors rather than environmental influences.
- Relating to genes, heredity, or the transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring.
- Caused or influenced by inherited genetic factors rather than by environmental or acquired conditions.
"The researchers are studying the genetic causes of the disease."
"Genetic testing can identify whether a person carries a particular inherited mutation."
"The team compared the genetic data with information from several generations of the family."
The Greek root behind genetic means 'birth' or 'origin,' pointing to the way traits travel from one generation to the next.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does genetic come from?
Genetic entered English in the early 19th century. It comes through French and ultimately from Greek genētikos, meaning 'pertaining to birth or production,' which is related to gennētos, 'born' or 'produced,' and to the root genos, meaning 'race, kind, or origin.' The same broad root appears in English words such as genesis, generation, generic, and genotype.
Related word forms
How genetic is actually used
Genetic is common in scientific and medical contexts and is also used in general discussion. In everyday usage, it often contrasts with environmental explanations, although this contrast can be oversimplified when complex traits are involved.
Easily confused with genetic
Genetic means relating to genes or heredity, whereas generic means applying broadly or lacking specific identifying features.