Hereditary describes traits, diseases, or titles that are passed from parents to their children through genes or family tradition. A hereditary disease, for example, runs in families because of inherited DNA.
From Latin “hereditarius,” meaning “relating to an heir,” from “heres” meaning “heir.” It first referred to property or titles passed down, and later expanded to include biological traits.
The word started out about money and power—who inherits land or a throne—long before people knew about genes. Now it also covers things like eye color and certain illnesses that quietly travel down family lines. In a way, your body and your last name both carry hereditary stories, just in different languages.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.