genetics
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the branch of science that studies how traits like eye colour or height are passed from parents to children.
the branch of biology concerned with the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms.
Simple“She decided to study genetics because she was interested in how DNA works.”
In context“Advances in molecular genetics have allowed researchers to identify specific markers associated with various hereditary conditions.”
UsageTreated as a singular noun when referring to the scientific discipline.
PitfallThe genetics are a difficult subject. Genetics is a difficult subject.When referring to the field of study, 'genetics' takes a singular verb.
Synonymshereditygenomics - 02 C1 Advanced
the specific set of genes that a person or animal has.
the genetic properties or makeup of a specific individual, group, or species.
Simple“Your genetics can play a big role in how your body reacts to certain foods.”
In context“The unique genetics of this isolated population provide a rare opportunity to study the long-term effects of genetic drift.”
UsageCan be treated as plural when referring to the individual traits of a person.
Synonymsgenetic makeupgenotype
“To collect the tissue samples necessary to analyze the baobab's genetics, Karimi had to navigate to remote parts of Madagascar and locate the trees.”
“A massive new analysis suggests that genetics alone can’t explain it—and the real secret may lie in other traits unique to these insects.”
From Ancient Greek γένεσις (génesis, “origin”). Coined by English biologist William Bateson in 1905 in a letter to zoologist Adam Sedgwick, and first used publicly by Bateson at a lecture to the International Conference on Plant Hybridization in 1906.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.