What does recessiveness mean?
Recessiveness is the quality of being recessive. In genetics, it describes a gene or inherited characteristic whose effect is less apparent when a dominant allele is also present; a recessive characteristic can nevertheless be inherited and may appear when two recessive alleles are combined. The word can also describe a general tendency to withdraw, recede, or remain in the background, though this figurative use is much less common than the biological one. In ordinary discussion, “recessive” is usually more natural than “recessiveness,” while “recessiveness” is especially useful when referring to a genetic pattern, such as the recessiveness of a particular mutation. The term is valuable in biology and genetics because it distinguishes inherited characteristics that are masked in a particular genetic combination from those that are always expressed.
nounThe quality or state of being recessive, especially the tendency of a gene or inherited characteristic to be expressed less strongly when a more dominant allele is present. More generally, it refers to a tendency to withdraw, recede, or remain in the background.
- The state or quality of being recessive in genetics, especially the relative weakness or masking of a gene or inherited characteristic.
- A general tendency to withdraw, recede, or remain inconspicuous.
"The recessiveness of the gene means that its effect is masked when a dominant allele is inherited."
"Because the mutation is recessive, both parents may be carriers without showing the condition themselves."
"His recessiveness in meetings made it difficult for colleagues to know when he disagreed."
Rarely used as a countable plural; the word is normally used in the singular or as an uncountable abstract noun.
"The researchers compared the recessivenesses of several inherited mutations."
A recessive gene can be passed on silently for generations, waiting for the right genetic combination to reveal its effect.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recessiveness come from?
The word is formed in English by adding the suffix “-ness” to “recessive,” producing an abstract noun meaning the state or quality of being recessive. “Recessive” comes ultimately from Latin recedere, meaning “to go back” or “to withdraw,” and entered English through the language of inheritance and biological description.
Related word forms
How recessiveness is actually used
In biology, the term is usually used in discussions of genes, alleles, traits, and inheritance. Its broader use for a person's reserved or retiring behaviour is uncommon and may sound formal or somewhat literary.
Easily confused with recessiveness
Recession is a period of economic decline, whereas recessiveness usually describes a recessive genetic trait or a tendency to withdraw or remain in the background.
A recess is a recessed area or period of rest, while recessiveness is the quality of being recessive.