genetics
genetics
Pronunciation
/dʒəˈnɛtɪks/
ge- /dʒə/: The sound of "j" as in "judge," followed by a schwa vowel sound (the "uh" sound).
net- /ˈnɛt/: The sound of "n," followed by the "eh" sound as in "bed," and ending with the "t" sound. This is the stressed syllable.
ics- /ɪks/: The "ih" sound as in "it," followed by the "k" sound, and ending with the "s" sound.
Word Form Variations
Noun: genetics (singular, uncountable)
Adjective: genetic, geneticist
Adverb: genetically
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun: genetics
Definition: The scientific study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics in living organisms. It explores how traits are passed from parents to offspring, the structure and function of genes, and the mechanisms of genetic inheritance.
Synonyms: heredity, inheritance, genomics
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it is a field of study)
Definition: The genetic makeup or constitution of an individual organism, a population, or a species. It refers to the specific genes and their variations that determine an organism's traits.
Synonyms: genetic makeup, constitution, DNA
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Adjective: genetic
Definition: Relating to genes or genetics. It describes something that is inherited or determined by genes.
Synonyms: hereditary, inherited, familial, congenital
Antonyms: environmental, acquired, non-hereditary
Adverb: genetically
Definition: In a manner related to genes or genetics. It describes something that is modified or determined by genetic factors.
Synonyms: hereditarily
Antonyms: environmentally, acquiredly
Examples of Use
Books
In "The Selfish Gene" by Richard Dawkins, the author uses the term to discuss the role of genetics in evolution, proposing that genes are the fundamental units of natural selection.
"The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race" by Walter Isaacson, delves into the history of genetics and the groundbreaking developments in CRISPR technology.
Newspapers and Online Publications
A New York Times article from July 2024 reported on new research in genetics that could lead to breakthroughs in treating Alzheimer's disease.
An NPR segment in June 2025 explored the ethical implications of using genetics to select for specific traits in human embryos.
A recent article in Scientific American examined the role of genetics in determining a person's susceptibility to certain types of cancer.
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
The film "Gattaca" is a dystopian science fiction movie that explores a society where an individual's social status is determined by their genetics.
In the television series "Orphan Black," the plot revolves around a group of clones who are trying to understand their genetics and the secrets behind their creation.
A documentary on Netflix, "Unnatural Selection," explores the burgeoning field of gene editing and the potential impact it has on the future of genetics.
General Public Discourse
At a medical conference, a doctor might say, "We need to consider the patient's family history and genetics when making a diagnosis."
During a conversation about an athlete's performance, someone might remark, "Her natural talent and incredible strength must be a result of good genetics."
In a discussion about agriculture, a farmer might mention, "We're using modern genetics to develop crops that are more resistant to drought and pests."
10 Famous Quotes Using Genetics
"The next major explosion is going to be when genetics and computers come together." — Alvin Toffler
"Your genetics load the gun. Your lifestyle pulls the trigger." — Mehmet Oz
"I'm fascinated by the idea that genetics is digital. A gene is a long sequence of coded letters, like computer information." — Richard Dawkins
"We are not just our genes, but we are the product of our genes and our environment." — Mary-Claire King (often cited in the context of genetics)
"A solid foundation in genetics is increasingly important for everyone." — Anne Wojcicki
"The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born—that there is a genetic factor to leadership." — Warren Bennis
"We are entering a world where we have to consider the quality of our children, and it will soon be a sin of parents to have a child that carries the heavy burden of genetic disease." — Robert Edwards
"My grandfather is from Burma and while the tanned skin and Cleopatra eyes skipped my genetic make-up, I inherited the full hairy gene." — Stacey Solomon
"Mastery, I learned, was not something genetic, or for a lucky few. It is something we can all attain if we get rid of some misconceptions and gain clarity as to the required path." — Robert Greene
"The families in positions of great financial power obsessively interbreed with each other. But I'm not talking about one Earth race, Jewish or non-Jewish. I'm talking about a genetic network that operates through all races, this bloodline being a fusion of human and reptilian genes." — David Icke
Etymology
The word "genetics" comes from the Greek word "gennō," which means "to give birth" or "to be born." This root is also the source for other English words like "genealogy" (the study of family history) and "genesis" (the beginning or origin of something).
The word "genetics" itself was first used in English in the early 20th century. A British biologist named William Bateson is credited with coining the term in 1905. He used it to describe the new and growing field of science that was focused on studying inheritance and how traits are passed from one generation to the next.
Before this, the science of inheritance was still being explored, and there wasn't a single, widely accepted name for it. Bateson's term provided a concise way to refer to the study of genes and the mechanisms of heredity, which was gaining prominence thanks to the rediscovery of Gregor Mendel's work on pea plants. So, in a way, the word's origin directly reflects its core meaning: the study of what is "born" into us.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Genetics
Genetic lottery: This is an idiom used to describe the random chance involved in inheriting a particular set of genes. For example, "She won the genetic lottery with her beautiful singing voice."
Genetic bottleneck: A term from population genetics, it describes a sharp reduction in the size of a population due to environmental events or human activities. This reduces the genetic diversity of the population.
Genetic predisposition: This phrase refers to an increased likelihood of developing a disease or trait based on a person's genetic makeup. For instance, "He has a genetic predisposition to heart disease."
Genetic fingerprinting: This is a technique used to identify individuals by their unique DNA sequence. It's often used in forensics.
A matter of genetics: This phrase is used to explain that a certain characteristic or condition is due to heredity rather than environmental factors. For example, "His height is just a matter of genetics."
Genetic memory: This is a hypothetical concept suggesting that some memories or instincts might be passed down through genes. It's more of a metaphorical phrase in general use.
Playing with genetics: This phrase often implies a sense of danger or ethical ambiguity, particularly in the context of gene editing or modifying life forms.
Genetic throwback: This refers to an individual who displays a trait or characteristic that was present in a distant ancestor but has not been seen in recent generations.
In the genes: This idiom means that a particular quality or talent is inherited or innate, similar to "a matter of genetics." For example, "Musical talent runs in her family; it's just in the genes."
Genetic drift: This is a term from evolutionary biology describing the change in the frequency of a gene variant in a population due to random sampling of organisms.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of genetics from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
