HEREDITARY - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Simple definitions and word synonyms for kids.

Part of speech: Adjective (satellite)

inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent

Example: ancestral home; ancestral lore; hereditary monarchy; patrimonial estate; transmissible tradition

Part of speech: Adjective (satellite)

occurring among members of a family usually by heredity

Example: an inherited disease; familial traits; genetically transmitted features

The word "hereditary" comes from Latin hereditarius.

Many Latin words entered English twice—once through French and once through direct borrowing.