hə̇ˈredəˌterē, -ri also heˈ- adjective
Etymology: Latin hereditarius, from hereditas inheritance + -arius -ary — more at heredity
1.
a. : genetically transmitted or capable of being genetically transmitted from parent to offspring
hereditary factor
hereditary disease
— see heredity 2; compare acquired , congenital , familial
b. : characteristic of or fostered by one's predecessors : ancestral
hereditary pride
hereditary bravery
hereditary feud
2.
a. : descended or capable of descending from an ancestor to an heir at law : received or passing by inheritance or required to pass by inheritance
hereditary wealth
hereditary monarchy
b. : having title or possession through inheritance
hereditary sovereign
hereditary nobility
3. : of a kind or status established by tradition
hereditary enemy
a hereditary reputation for liberality and kindness — Louise P. Kellogg
4. : of or relating to inheritance or heredity
unless he had the hereditary dispositions which he has, he would not behave the way he does — Arthur Pap
the hereditary principle, once a business has been founded, has proved … a serviceable method of ensuring fresh supplies of managerial talent — Roy Lewis & Angus Maude
Synonyms: see innate