Definition

1. Adjective:

   • (Genetics) Producing its characteristic phenotype only when its allele is identical: In genetics, a "recessive" gene or allele is one whose effect is masked or overridden by a dominant allele. Its trait only appears in an organism when two copies of the recessive allele are present.
   • Of or pertaining to a recession: Relating to a period of economic decline or a movement of withdrawal.

2. Noun:

   • An allele that produces its characteristic phenotype only when its paired allele is identical: A specific form of a gene that is only expressed when an individual has two copies of it.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Genetic sense):
  • Blue eye color is a recessive trait.
  • The disease is caused by a recessive gene.
• Adjective (Recession sense):
  • The government implemented recessive economic policies. (Note: This usage is less common; "recessionary" is more typical.)
• Noun:
  • The child inherited a recessive for red hair from both parents.

Advanced Usage

• "Recessive inheritance": A pattern of inheritance where a trait or disorder is expressed only when an individual has two copies of a mutant gene.
  • Cystic fibrosis is often inherited in a recessive pattern.
• "Autosomal recessive": Referring to a recessive allele located on an autosome (non-sex chromosome).
  • Sickle cell anemia is an autosomal recessive disorder.

Variants and Related Words

• Recessiveness (n): The quality or condition of being recessive.
  • The recessiveness of the allele explains why the trait skipped a generation.
• Recession (n): A period of temporary economic decline.
  • The country entered a severe recession.
• Recessionary (adj): Characteristic of or relating to an economic recession.
  • Recessionary pressures affected the job market.

Synonyms

• Genetic sense: Latent, masked, non-dominant.
• General sense: Retreating, withdrawing.

Antonyms

• Genetic sense: Dominant.
• General sense: Advancing, progressive.

Adjective

1. (of genes) producing its characteristic phenotype only when its allele is identical
2. of or pertaining to a recession

Noun

1. an allele that produces its characteristic phenotype only when its paired allele is identical