noun pl. heredities -·ties

1. 1. the transmission of characteristics from parent to offspring by means of genes in the chromosomes
   2. the tendency of offspring to resemble parents or ancestors through such transmission
2. all the characteristics inherited genetically by an individual

Etymology: Fr hérédité < L hereditas, heirship < heres, heir < IE base *hē-, to be empty, leave behind > go, Gr chēres, bereft