Dictionary > Pedigree

Pedigree

Definition
noun
(1) An ancestral line or chart depicting the lineage or descent of an individual.
(2) (genetics) A diagram showing the lineage or genealogy of an individual and all the direct ancestors, usually to analyze or follow the inheritance of trait.
adjective
(1) purebred.
Supplement
A pedigree can be used to determine the Mendelian inheritance of a genetic trait, especially familial diseases, across several generations of a family.
Word origin: From Anglo-French pe de gru, a variant of Old French pied de gru (“‘foot of a crane’”), from Latin pedem (“‘foot’”) + gruem (“‘crane’”).
Related term:

Last updated on March 1st, 2021

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