Meaning
遗传 refers to the biological process by which traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes. It can function as both a noun (heredity, genetic inheritance) and a verb (to inherit genetically). This term is commonly used in biology, medicine, and everyday discussions about family resemblances and inherited characteristics.
Usage
Native speakers use 遗传 when discussing physical traits, diseases, or characteristics that run in families. It's distinct from 继承 (jì chéng), which refers to inheriting property or non-biological things. Common in medical contexts when discussing genetic conditions like 遗传病 (genetic diseases). The adjectival form 遗传的 or 遗传性的 means 'genetic' or 'hereditary'.
Examples
- 01她的身高是遗传她父亲的。.Her height is inherited from her father.
- 02这种疾病具有遗传性，需要做基因检测。, .This disease is hereditary and requires genetic testing.
Characters
Common collocations
- 遗传病genetic disease
- 遗传因素genetic factors
- 遗传基因genetic gene
- 遗传性hereditary (nature)
Antonyms
Origin
The word literally means 'to leave behind and transmit,' combining 遗 (to bequeath) and 传 (to pass on). This compound accurately captures the concept of biological inheritance passing traits across generations.