Weis·mann·ism (w s m -n z m, vsmän-zm)n. The theory that all heritable characteristics arise in the germ plasm and that acquired characteristics cannot be inherited. [After August Friedrich Leopold Weismann.] |
Weismannism [ˈvaɪsmənˌɪzəm]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) the doctrine of the continuity of the germ plasm. This theory of heredity states that all inheritable characteristics are transmitted by the reproductive cells and that characteristics acquired during the lifetime of the organism are not inherited
[named after August Weismann (1834-1914), German biologist]
Weismannism
the theories of development and heredity asserted by August Weismann (1834-1914), esp. that inheritable characteristics are carried in the germ cells, and that acquired characteristics are not hereditary. — Weismannian, n., adj.
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