genetics
juh-NEHT-ihks
Genetics (noun) means the branch of biology concerned with genes, heredity, and variation between organisms. Example: “She's studying genetics at university.”
noun
1
The branch of biology concerned with genes, heredity, and variation between organisms.
"She's studying genetics at university."
"Modern genetics has transformed how we understand disease."
"Genetics explains why children often look like their parents."
2
The genetic makeup of a particular person, animal, or species.
"His genetics gave him an advantage as a sprinter."
"The breed's genetics make these dogs naturally calm and friendly."
"Their genetics may explain why every member of the family has red hair."
How to use genetics
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe science of genes and heredity, or an individual's inherited traits.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
study genetics
good genetics
human genetics
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Etymology
Coined in 1905 by biologist William Bateson, from Greek génesis ("origin").
Class of 1905
genetics joined the language around 1905.
See the full Class of 1905 →
Synonyms
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heredity
genetic makeup
Related words
Rhymes for genetics
See all rhymes for genetics →Frequently asked questions
What does “genetics” mean?
The word “genetics” means the branch of biology concerned with genes, heredity, and variation between organisms. In plain terms, the science of genes and heredity, or an individual's inherited traits.
How do you pronounce “genetics”?
“Genetics” is pronounced juh-NEHT-ihks (/dʒəˈnɛt.ɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “genetics” in a sentence?
Here is “genetics” used in a sentence: “She's studying genetics at university.”
What part of speech is “genetics”?
“Genetics” is a noun.
Where does the word “genetics” come from?
The word “genetics” dates back to around 1905 and comes from Greek. Coined in 1905 by biologist William Bateson, from Greek génesis ("origin").
Is “genetics” a common word?
“Genetics” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “genetics” have?
“Genetics” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the branch of biology concerned with genes, heredity, and variation between organisms.
What is the difference between "genetics" and "genomics"?
"Genetics" is the branch of biology concerned with genes, heredity, and variation between organisms, often focused on individual genes and how traits are inherited. "Genomics" is a related but distinct field that studies an organism's entire genome, including how genes interact as a whole system.
What is the difference between "genetics" and "genes"?
"Genetics" is the scientific study of genes, heredity, and variation, while "genes" are the individual units of hereditary material that genetics as a field investigates. Genetics can also refer to a person's or organism's genetic makeup, as in "her genetics."
Is "genetics" grammatically singular or plural?
Although "genetics" ends in -s, it is treated as a singular, uncountable noun and takes a singular verb, as in "genetics is a branch of biology."
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