Definition of heritable

The word "heritable" has its origin in the Latin word "hereditarius," which translates to "pertaining to an inheritance." In the Middle Ages, this Latin term was used in a legal context to describe property that could be passed down from one generation to the next. The English word "heritable" emerged in the 16th century, taking its roots from the Old French word "héreiter," which was derived from the Latin "hereditarius." At that time, "heritable" was used to describe a trait, property, or right that could be inherited by one's offspring. As the use and meaning of words evolve over time, "heritable" now refers to any characteristic or trait that is passed down from parents to their children through inheritance, such as genetic traits, physical features, or intellectual abilities. However, it can also apply to non-genetically transmitted traits, such as social status, wealth, or cultural values, if they are consistently transmitted from one generation to another. In summary, the origin of the word "heritable" can be traced back to the Latin "hereditarius," which reflected the concept of inheritance as a legal and social concept in medieval Europe. Over time, the meaning of the word has expanded to encompass a broader interpretation of the concept of inheritance, including genetically transmitted and culturally acquired traits.