First Known Use: 1589
Dictionary
trait
noun \ˈtrāt, British usually ˈtrā\
: a quality that makes one person or thing different from another
Full Definition of TRAIT
2
a : a distinguishing quality (as of personal character) <curiosity is one of her notable traits> b : an inherited characteristic
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Origin of TRAIT
Middle French, literally, act of drawing, from Latin tractus — more at tract
Related to TRAIT
- Synonyms
- affection, attribute, attribution, character, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, characteristic
Other Genetics Terms
TRAIT Defined for Kids
trait
noun \ˈtrāt\
Definition of TRAIT for Kids
: a quality that makes one person, animal, or thing different from another
Medical Dictionary
trait
noun \ˈtrāt, British usually ˈtrā\
Medical Definition of TRAIT
: an inherited characteristic
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