Meaning & use
recessive
In genetics, describing a gene or trait that is expressed only when no dominant version of the gene is present.
See it in a sentence
Blue eyes are a recessive trait, so both parents must carry the gene for a child to have them.
The recessive allele stayed hidden for generations until two carriers had children together.
A note on using this word
A recessive trait only appears in an offspring when it inherits the recessive form of the gene from both parents.
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