hereditary

The definition of hereditary refers to something inherited through the family or passed down through the family.

(adjective)

When you get a medical condition passed down from your mother, this is an example of a hereditary medical condition.

See hereditary in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

1. of, or passed down by, inheritance from an ancestor to a legal heir; ancestral
2. having title, right, etc. by inheritance
of, or passed down by, heredity; designating or of a characteristic transmitted genetically from generation to generation
being such because of attitudes, beliefs, etc. passed down through generations: hereditary allies

Origin: L hereditarius < hereditas: see heredity

Related Forms:

See hereditary in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Law
a. Descending from an ancestor to a legal heir; passing down by inheritance.
b. Having title or possession through inheritance.
Transmitted or capable of being transmitted genetically from parent to offspring: a hereditary disease.
a. Appearing in or characteristic of successive generations.
b. Derived from or fostered by one's ancestors: a hereditary prejudice.
Ancestral; traditional: their hereditary home. See Synonyms at innate.
Of or relating to heredity or inheritance.