heterozygosity

noun

het·​ero·​zy·​gos·​i·​ty ˌhe-tə-rō-(ˌ)zī-ˈgä-sə-tē How to pronounce heterozygosity (audio)
: the state of being heterozygous

Examples of heterozygosity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Clonal polymorphism and high heterozygosity in the celibate genome of the Amazon molly Cell Research. — Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024 Averageness also corresponds to heterozygosity, or genetic diversity, which is another good thing. — Paul Bloom, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heterozygosity was in 1912

Rhymes for heterozygosity

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Browse Nearby Words

heterozygosis
heterozygosity
heterozygote
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heterozygosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterozygosity. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

heterozygosity

noun
het·​ero·​zy·​gos·​i·​ty ˌhet-ə-rō-(ˌ)zī-ˈgäs-ət-ē How to pronounce heterozygosity (audio)
: the state of being heterozygous

Medical Definition

heterozygosity

noun
het·​ero·​zy·​gos·​i·​ty -ˈgäs-ət-ē How to pronounce heterozygosity (audio)
plural heterozygosities
: the state of being heterozygous
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