adj.
Pronunciation: h ə - ' re-d ə - ˌ ter- ē
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English hereditarie, from Latin hereditarius, from hereditas
Date: 15th century
1 a : genetically transmitted or transmittable from parent to offspring b : characteristic of or fostered by one's predecessors
2 a : received or passing by inheritance or required to pass by inheritance or by reason of birth b : having title or possession through inheritance or by reason of birth
3 : of a kind established by tradition < hereditary enemies>
4 : of or relating to inheritance or heredity
synonyms see INNATE
– he · red · i · tar · i · ly \ - ˌ re-d ə - ' ter- ə -l ē \ adverb