genetics

Etymology

From Ancient Greek γένεσις (génesis, “origin”). Coined by English biologist William Bateson in 1905 in a letter to zoologist Adam Sedgwick, and first used publicly by Bateson at a lecture to the International Conference on Plant Hybridization in 1906.

noun

1. (biology) The branch of biology that deals with the transmission and variation of inherited characteristics, in particular chromosomes and DNA.
   If we want to raise mangels that will not run to seed, or to breed a cow that will give more milk in less time, or milk with more butter and less water, we can turn to Genetics with every hope that something can be done in these laudable directions. 1908, William Bateson, The Methods and Scope of Genetics: An Inaugural Lecture Delivered 23 October 1908
   Genetics has shown that people are different, and these differences cluster according to geography and culture, but never in a way that aligns with the traditional concepts of human races. 2017, Adam Rutherford, A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived, The Experiment, page 263
2. (biology) The genetic makeup of a specific individual or species.
   As a result of your father’s, mother’s, and their parents genetics, you are born with a genetic structure that is dealt to you at conception. […] Our ancestry determines our genetics. 2005, Mark Linden O’Meara, The Feeling Soul: A Roadmap to Healing and Living, Soul Care Publishing, page 45
   This amazing occurrence made my head go bong to say the least; it was obvious that Elizabeth had not been “schizophrenic” because of her genetics, nor because of stress, nor malnutrition, nor hypoglycemia, nor because of any of the causes of mental illness that I had learned and rectify, but because of food allergies 2006, Jay Irvin, Fire Your Doctor!: How and When to be Your Own Best Medical Advisor, page 18
   Anthony knew he could excel in boxing because of his genetics. He fought 168 pounds and fought in fights around the Tri-Cities. 2010, Mike Furches, The Keystone Kids, page 238