Definition

The quality or state of being recessive, often used in genetics to describe traits that are not expressed when a dominant trait is present.

Example

In genetics, recessiveness can determine whether a trait is visible in an organism's appearance.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how recessiveness affects traits in genetics?

Yeah, it’s interesting how some traits can be hidden if they’re recessive.

Exactly! Like how blue eyes can be a recessiveness trait in some families.

Right! It makes you wonder what other traits are just waiting to show up.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Recessiveness → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back or again), "cess" (from Latin "cedere", meaning to go or yield), and "-ness" (a suffix indicating a state or quality). The word describes the quality of being inclined to yield or retreat, particularly in a genetic context where a trait is not expressed unless two recessive alleles are present.

Memory Tip

Think of 'yielding back' ('re-' means back, 'cess' means to go) to remember that 'recessiveness' refers to a quality of traits that retreat or are not expressed unless paired.

Visually Confused Words