occurring among members of a family usually by heredity
"an inherited disease"
"familial traits"
"genetically transmitted features"
pertaining to or referring to origin
"genetic history reconstructs the origins of a literary work"
Relating to genetics or genes.
"The genetic makeup of the rare butterfly was analyzed to understand how its unique colors are inherited."
In plain English: Genetic means relating to the genes that determine your physical traits and characteristics.
"The doctor explained that her eye color is genetic and runs in her family."
Usage: Use "genetic" to describe traits, conditions, or factors that are inherited through DNA rather than acquired during life. Avoid using it to mean "hereditary" in casual conversation when you simply want to say something runs in the family, as "genetic" specifically refers to the biological mechanism of inheritance.
The word genetic comes from the Ancient Greek genetikós, which means "pertaining to birth" and is derived from génesis ("origin") and gígnomai ("I come into being"). It was coined in a similar fashion to words like antithesis, reflecting its roots in the concept of coming into existence.