Definition

Noun: A disease or disorder that is caused by genetic mutations passed from parents to their offspring through the reproductive cells (sperm and egg). These conditions are present at birth, though symptoms may not appear until later in life.

Usage and Examples

• Cystic fibrosis is a well-known inherited disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.
• Genetic counseling can help families understand the risks of passing on an inherited disease.
• Research into gene therapy offers hope for treating some inherited diseases.

Advanced Usage

• In medical genetics: The term is often used to distinguish conditions with a clear genetic origin from those caused by environmental factors or somatic mutations (which are not passed to offspring).
• Patterns of inheritance: An inherited disease may follow different inheritance patterns, such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked.

Variants and Related Words

• Genetic disorder: A broader term that includes inherited diseases as well as conditions caused by new mutations or chromosomal abnormalities.
• Hereditary disease: A synonym often used interchangeably with "inherited disease."
• Congenital disorder: A condition present at birth, which may or may not be genetic/inherited (some are caused by infections or exposures during pregnancy).

Synonyms

• Hereditary disorder
• Genetic disease
• Heritable condition

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Family history: A record of health information about a person's immediate and extended family, which is crucial for assessing the risk of inherited diseases.
• Carrier screening: Testing performed to see if a person carries a gene mutation for an inherited disease that could be passed to children.
• Inheritance pattern: The way a genetic trait or disorder is passed from one generation to the next (e.g., dominant, recessive).

Noun

1. a disease or disorder that is inherited genetically