inheritability

Definition

Noun: - The quality of being capable of being inherited: "inheritability" refers to the property or characteristic of a trait, property, or right that can be passed down from one generation to another, especially through genetic or legal inheritance.

Usage Examples

• (The ability for eye color to be passed from parents to children.)
• (The capacity of the property to be legally transferred to heirs.)
• (The property of diseases being passed genetically.)

Advanced Usage

• "inheritability of acquired traits": a concept in evolutionary biology, now largely discredited, suggesting that traits developed during an organism's lifetime can be inherited.
  • Lamarck's theory of the inheritability of acquired traits has been superseded by Darwinian evolution. (The idea that changes from experience can be passed on.)
• "inheritability coefficient": a statistical measure in genetics that estimates the proportion of variation in a trait due to genetic factors.
  • The inheritability coefficient for height is high, indicating strong genetic influence. (A numerical value showing genetic contribution.)

Variants and Related Words

• Inheritable (adj): capable of being inherited.
  • The inheritable nature of the title meant it passed to the eldest son. (The title could be passed down.)
• Inheritance (n): the act of receiving property, title, or genetic traits from an ancestor.
  • His inheritance included a large sum of money. (What he received from a relative.)
• Inherit (v): to receive something from a predecessor or ancestor.
  • She will inherit the family business. (She will come into possession of it legally or genetically.)

Synonyms

• Hereditability: the quality of being transmissible from parent to offspring, especially genetically.
  • The hereditability of hair color is strong. (The ability to be passed down.)
• Transmissibility: the capacity to be passed from one to another.
  • The transmissibility of the gene was confirmed by experiments. (The ability to be transmitted.)

Related Idioms

• "In the blood": a trait or quality that is inherited or innate.
  • Musical talent runs in the blood of that family. (It is inherited naturally.)
• "Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth": born into wealth or privilege that is inherited.
  • He didn't earn his fortune; he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. (He inherited his wealth.)