HEREDITARY


Meaning of HEREDITARY in English

/ həˈredɪtri; NAmE -teri/ adjective

1.

( especially of illnesses ) given to a child by its parents before it is born :

a hereditary illness / disease / condition / problem

Epilepsy is hereditary in her family.

2.

that is legally given to sb's child, when that person dies :

a hereditary title / monarchy

3.

holding a rank or title that is hereditary :

hereditary peers / rulers

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WORD ORIGIN

late Middle English : from Latin hereditarius , from hereditas , from heres , hered- heir.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.