Dictionary
inheritance
noun in·her·i·tance \in-ˈher-ə-tən(t)s, -ˈhe-rə-\
: money, property, etc., that is received from someone when that person dies
: something from the past that is still important or valuable
: the act of inheriting something
Full Definition of INHERITANCE
1
a : the act of inheriting property b : the reception of genetic qualities by transmission from parent to offspring c : the acquisition of a possession, condition, or trait from past generations
2
: something that is or may be inherited
3
a : tradition b : a valuable possession that is a common heritage from nature
4
obsolete : possession
See inheritance defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of INHERITANCE
14th century
Related to INHERITANCE
- Synonyms
- bequest, birthright, heritage, legacy, patrimony
Other Genetics Terms
INHERITANCE Defined for Kids
inheritance
noun in·her·i·tance \in-ˈher-ə-təns\
Definition of INHERITANCE for Kids
1
: the act of getting by legal right from a person at his or her death or through heredity
2
: something gotten by legal right from a person at his or her death
Medical Dictionary
inheritance
noun in·her·i·tance \in-ˈher-ət-ən(t)s\
Medical Definition of INHERITANCE
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