[he.red.i.tary] adj [L hereditarius, fr. hereditas] (15c) 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 "~ enemies"
4: of or relating to inheritance or heredity syn see innate -- he.red.i.tar.i.ly adv