eugenics
[ yoo-jen-iks ]
/ yuˈdʒɛn ɪks /
noun (used with a singular verb)
the study of or belief in the possibility of improving the qualities of the human species or a human population, especially by such means as discouraging reproduction by persons having genetic defects or presumed to have inheritable undesirable traits (negative eugenics) or encouraging reproduction by persons presumed to have inheritable desirable traits (positive eugenics).
Words nearby eugenics
eugene iii,
eugene iv,
eugenia,
eugenic,
eugenicist,
eugenics,
eugenius i,
eugenius ii,
eugenius iii,
eugenius iv,
eugenol
Example sentences from the Web for eugenics
British Dictionary definitions for eugenics
eugenics
/ (juːˈdʒɛnɪks) /
noun
(functioning as singular)
the study of methods of improving the quality of the human race, esp by selective breeding
Derived forms of eugenics
eugenic, adjective eugenically, adverb eugenicist, noun eugenist (ˈjuːdʒənɪst), noun, adjectiveWord Origin for eugenics
C19: from Greek
eugenēs well-born, from
eu- +
-genēs born; see
-gen
Medical definitions for eugenics
eugenics
[ yōō-jĕn′ĭks ]
n.
The study of hereditary improvement of the human race by controlled selective breeding.
Cultural definitions for eugenics
eugenics
[ (yooh-jen-iks) ]
The idea that one can improve the human race by careful selection of those who mate and produce offspring.