inheritance

The action of inheriting something.

Something inherited or to be inherited.

Something regarded as a heritage: synonym: heritage.

The process of genetic transmission of characteristics from parent or ancestor to offspring.

A characteristic so inherited.

The sum of genetically transmitted characteristics.

The act of inheriting, in any sense of that word: as, the inheritance of property or of disease.

In law, the estate cast upon the heir by law immediately on the death of the ancestor (Broom and Hadley); a legal right to real property not limited by years or the owner’s life, so that it will pass by descent; an estate inuring to a person and his heirs; real estate. See estate of inheritance, under estate.