Weismannism

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Weismannism

(ˈvaɪsmənˌɪzəm)
n
(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
[C19: named after August Weismann (1834–1914), German biologist]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

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.
See also: Heredity
-Ologies & -Isms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive
In other words, the famous Weismann Barrier, said to prevent DNA from being changed by information from body (somatic) cells, can be breeched.
Lamarck's Signature: How Retrogenes are Changing Darwin's Natural Selection Paradigm
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