genetics
n.-
1 the field of study (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Sciencethe 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.
ExampleShe decided to study genetics because she was interested in how DNA works.
ExampleAdvances 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.
- heredity
- genomics
PitfallThe genetics are a difficult subject.Genetics is a difficult subject.When referring to the field of study, 'genetics' takes a singular verb.
-
2 biological makeup (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Sciencethe specific set of genes that a person or animal has.
the genetic properties or makeup of a specific individual, group, or species.
ExampleYour genetics can play a big role in how your body reacts to certain foods.
ExampleThe 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.
- genetic makeup
- genotype
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.