Genetic is a commonly used term in modern-day biology, and its spelling can sometimes cause confusion. The word is pronounced with a soft g, followed by a short e and a long e sound, and ends with a hard t sound. Its IPA phonetic transcription is dʒɪˈnɛtɪk, with the j representing the soft g sound. This spelling is derived from the Greek word for "origin" or "birth," as genetics is the study of the hereditary characteristics passed down through generations of organisms.
Adjective: Relating to or involving genes or heredity. Genetic refers to the underlying basis of inheritance and the transmission of traits from parents to offspring through DNA. It pertains to the study and understanding of genes, their functions, and the mechanisms that govern genetic variations and inheritance patterns.
The term genetic is commonly associated with traits that are inherited or passed down from one generation to another. It encompasses the idea of genes, which are segments of DNA that contain instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms. Genetic characteristics can include physical attributes, such as eye color, hair type, or height, as well as physiological traits, such as susceptibility to certain diseases or metabolism.
The field of genetics plays a crucial role in various scientific disciplines and applications, including medicine, agriculture, and evolutionary biology. It explores the intricate nature of genes, genetic variations, and the inheritance of traits within populations. Researchers in genetics investigate how genes influence and interact with one another, as well as how external factors can impact gene expression. This knowledge is vital for understanding the genetic basis of diseases, developing treatments, predicting the likelihood of developing certain conditions, improving crop yields, enhancing breeding programs, and unraveling the evolutionary history of species.
Relating to genesis, origin, or generation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Pert. to origin or mode of production of a thing.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "genetic" comes from the Greek word "genetikos", which means "pertaining to origin or generation". The term is derived from the Greek word "genesis", meaning "birth" or "origin". The word was first used in the early 20th century to describe the study of heredity and the origin of traits in living organisms.