recessive
|re-ces-sive|
/rɪˈsɛsɪv/
hidden trait
Etymology
'recessive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'recessivus,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'cedere' meant 'to go.'
'recessivus' transformed into the French word 'récessif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'recessive' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'to go back or withdraw,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a genetic trait that is not expressed unless two copies are present.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
in genetics, a recessive trait or gene is one that is expressed only when two copies of it are present, as opposed to a dominant trait, which is expressed with just one copy.
Blue eyes are a recessive trait.
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Adjective 2
tending to go back or recede.
The recession had a recessive effect on the economy.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41