re·ces·sive (r -s s v)adj.1. Tending to go backward or recede. 2. a. Genetics Of, relating to, or designating an allele that does not produce a characteristic effect when present with a dominant allele. b. Of or relating to a trait that is expressed only when the determining allele is present in the homozygous condition. n. Genetics 1. A recessive allele or trait. 2. An organism having a recessive trait.
re·ces sive·ly adv. re·ces sive·ness n. |
recessive Adjective
1. tending to recede
2. Genetics (in a pair of genes) designating a gene that has a characteristic which will only be passed on if the other gene has the same characteristic
recessive (r -s s v) Relating to the form of a gene that is not expressed as a trait in an individual unless two such genes are inherited, one from each parent. In an organism having two different genes for a trait, the recessive form is overpowered by its counterpart, or dominant, form located on the other of a pair of chromosomes. In humans, lack of dimples is a recessive trait, while the presence of dimples is dominant. See more at carrierinheritance Compare dominant. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | recessive - an allele that produces its characteristic phenotype only when its paired allele is identicalallele, allelomorph - (genetics) either of a pair (or series) of alternative forms of a gene that can occupy the same locus on a particular chromosome and that control the same character; "some alleles are dominant over others" |
| Adj. | 1. | recessive - of or pertaining to a recession |
| 2. | recessive - (of genes) producing its characteristic phenotype only when its allele is identicaldominant - (of genes) producing the same phenotype whether its allele is identical or dissimilar |