/ 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.