Genetics
/dʒəˈnɛtɪks/
Definitions
The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
/dʒəˈnɛtɪks/
Genetics is a complex field of study.
💡 Simply: Genetics is like the instruction manual for how living things, like you and me, are built. It explains why you have your parents' eye color or why some plants grow tall.
👶 For kids: Genetics is like a secret code that tells your body how to grow and what you will look like, like your hair and eyes.
More Examples
Advances in genetics have led to new treatments for diseases.
The principles of genetics are fundamental to understanding evolution.
Her interests include mathematics and genetics
How It's Used
"The field of genetics has revolutionized our understanding of life."
"Genetic testing can help identify predispositions to certain diseases."
Idioms & expressions
genetic makeup
The complete set of genes within an organism.
"An individual's genetic makeup determines many of their characteristics."
genetic engineering
The deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material.
"Genetic engineering has led to the development of crops resistant to pests."
From German 'Genetik' (1905), coined by William Bateson, from 'gene', derived from Greek 'genos' meaning 'birth, origin'.
The term 'genetics' was first used in 1905 by William Bateson. Initially, it was a relatively new field, but soon became crucial for understanding evolution, inheritance, and human health.
Memory tip
Think of 'genes' as the building blocks and 'genetics' as the blueprint for life.
Word Origin
"genos (birth, origin) + -ics (science of)"