ENGLISH
REFERENCE

genetics

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //dʒəˈnɛtɪks// UK //dʒɛnˈɛtɪks// ge·net·ics

n. the study of how living things pass on physical features and health traits to their children. It explains why you might have the same eye color or height as your parents.

n. the branch of biology concerned with the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms. It examines how specific traits are transmitted from parents to offspring through DNA.


SIMPLE

She decided to study genetics to understand her family's history.

CONTEXTUAL

Modern agriculture relies heavily on genetics to develop crops that can survive harsh weather and resist common pests.

COMPLEX

Advances in molecular genetics have allowed researchers to identify specific markers associated with hereditary diseases, paving the way for more personalized medical treatments.

Origin

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.

Usage

The noun is singular in construction and takes a singular verb despite the 's' ending.

Pitfall

Genetics are a complex subject.Genetics is a complex subject.Like 'physics' or 'mathematics', this word is singular and requires a singular verb.

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