# autosomal

CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/autosomal
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

related to the chromosomes that do not decide biological sex. You get one copy from each parent, so these genes can pass to any child.

For teachers: pertaining to an autosome, any chromosome other than a sex chromosome. Often specifies inheritance patterns for genes carried on these chromosomes.

## Examples

- Autosomal traits pass from parents to children equally.
- The doctor explains that autosomal conditions can affect sons and daughters in the same way.
- Because autosomal genes sit on non-sex chromosomes, researchers study their inheritance across large families to trace disease risk.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies, as in 'autosomal inheritance'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.