recessive trait

[rɪˈsɛsɪv treɪt]
nounpl: recessive traits
característica recessiva
1. A genetic characteristic that is expressed only when inherited from both parents (homozygous condition), and is masked by a dominant allele when inherited from only one parent
Blue eyes are often a recessive trait, so both parents must carry the gene for a child to have blue eyes.
Olhos azuis são frequentemente uma característica recessiva, então ambos os pais devem carregar o gene para uma criança ter olhos azuis.
2. In genetics, an observable characteristic controlled by a recessive allele that requires two copies of the same allele to be phenotypically expressed
Cystic fibrosis is an example of a recessive trait that affects the lungs and digestive system.
A fibrose cística é um exemplo de uma característica recessiva que afeta os pulmões e o sistema digestivo.
The term is primarily used in scientific, educational, and medical contexts in both Brazil and the United States. In Brazil, genetics education at secondary and university levels employs this terminology standardly. The concept is fundamental to understanding heredity and is commonly discussed in biology classes, genetic counseling, and medical genetics consultations across both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
recessive characteristicrecessive allelerecessive generecessive feature
Antonyms / Antônimos
dominant traitdominant characteristicdominant allele

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
característica recessiva
Standard term used in genetics education and scientific contexts
São Paulo
traço recessivo
Alternative formal term used in academic and medical contexts
Portugal
característica recessiva
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, standard scientific terminology
General Brazilian
traço recessivo
Less common but acceptable alternative in genetics discourse

Related Words

allelegenotypephenotypedominant traitheterozygoushomozygousinheritancegenetics

Related Idioms & Phrases

skip a generation - describing how recessive traits can appear after being hidden for generations
hidden genes - referring to recessive alleles that are not expressed in the phenotype
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