Word
recessive
Phoneticsre·ces·sive, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹəˈsɛsɪv/
UK/ɹɪsˈɛsɪv/
Definition
adj. describing a gene or trait that only shows up when you get it from both your parents. If you have one of these genes and one that is stronger, the stronger one will usually win.
adj. relating to a genetic trait that is only expressed when two copies of the gene are present. In a heterozygous state, the trait is masked by a dominant allele.
Examples
“Blue eyes are a recessive trait in humans.”
“The breeders were surprised when the puppies inherited the recessive gene for white fur, as neither parent had that color.”
“In Mendelian genetics, a recessive allele will only manifest in the phenotype if the organism is homozygous for that specific trait, meaning both copies of the gene are identical.”
Examples
simple
“Blue eyes are a recessive trait in humans.”
contextual
“The breeders were surprised when the puppies inherited the recessive gene for white fur, as neither parent had that color.”
complex
“In Mendelian genetics, a recessive allele will only manifest in the phenotype if the organism is homozygous for that specific trait, meaning both copies of the gene are identical.”
Real-World Examples
“A-type trees have one copy of each version; B-type trees have two copies of the recessive version.” Etymology
From Latin recēdō + -ive, or directly from New Latin recessīvus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/recessive