telegony

/tɛˈlɛɡəni/

Definitions

1. noun

the supposed transmission of characteristics from a male to an offspring through the female who previously mated with him, especially in cases of sequential polyandry.

“The concept of telegony was once thought to be a scientific theory, but it is now largely discredited.”

Synonyms

  • heredity
  • inherited trait

Antonyms

  • acquired trait
  • environmental influence