ENGLISH
REFERENCE

phenotype

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈfinəˌtaɪp// UK //fˈɛnətˌaɪp// phe·no·type

n. the physical appearance or characteristics of a living thing, like its height or eye color. These traits come from both its genes and its environment.

n. the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences. Refers to the expression of genes rather than the underlying genetic code itself.


SIMPLE

The plant's phenotype includes its height and the color of its flowers.

CONTEXTUAL

Identical twins share the same genotype, but their phenotypes may differ slightly due to different lifestyle choices and environments.

COMPLEX

Evolutionary biologists study how natural selection acts upon the phenotype of an individual, as physical traits directly influence an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its specific habitat.

Origin

From pheno- + -type. (Date to be specified). From Ancient Greek φαίνω (phaínō, “to shine, to show, to appear”) and Ancient Greek τύπος (túpos, “mark, type”).

Usage

Commonly used in biological and medical contexts to distinguish outward traits from genetic potential.

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