Hereditary

Pronunciation

Origin

From Latin hereditarius, from hereditas 'inheritance', from heres 'heir'

Full definition of hereditary

Adjective

1. which is passed on as inheritance, by last will or intestate
2. (of a title, honor or right) legally granted to somebody's descendant after that person's death.Duke is a hereditary title which was created in Norman times.
3. (of a person) holding a legally hereditary title or rankhereditary rulers
4. (of a disease or trait) passed from a parent to offspring in the genes''Haemophilia is hereditary in his family.

Derived terms

• hereditariness
• hereditarily
• hereditary disease
• hereditary peer

Related terms

• heredity
• heritage
• inherit, inheritance
• heir, heiress

Noun

1. A hereditary ruler; a hereditary peer in the House of Lords.