mendelism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / TechnicalFormal / Academic
Quick answer
What does “mendelism” mean?
The theory of heredity developed by Gregor Mendel, based on the transmission of discrete factors (genes) from parents to offspring according to specific mathematical patterns.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The theory of heredity developed by Gregor Mendel, based on the transmission of discrete factors (genes) from parents to offspring according to specific mathematical patterns.
The principles of classical genetics concerning the segregation and independent assortment of hereditary units (alleles) during sexual reproduction. By extension, it can refer to a strict or orthodox adherence to these principles, sometimes in contrast to more complex modern genetic understandings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Equally academic and specialized in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, used almost exclusively in biological or historical academic contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mendelism” in a Sentence
The [noun] demonstrated/principles of Mendelism.A [adjective] understanding/interpretation of Mendelism.This [phenomenon] contradicts/confirms Mendelism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mendelism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The trait did not mendelise as predicted, suggesting a more complex mechanism.
American English
- The trait did not Mendelize as predicted, suggesting a more complex mechanism.
adverb
British English
- The genes were inherited Mendelianly, following a simple dominant-recessive pattern.
American English
- The genes were inherited in a Mendelian fashion, following a simple dominant-recessive pattern.
adjective
British English
- His approach was strictly Mendelian, ignoring any epigenetic influences.
American English
- His approach was strictly Mendelian, ignoring any epigenetic influences.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in biology, genetics, history of science, and philosophy of science texts and lectures to denote Mendel's original theory or its classical interpretation.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used by someone with specific scientific background.
Technical
Core context in genetics and plant/animal breeding literature to distinguish foundational principles from complex modern genomic phenomena (e.g., epigenetics, polygenic traits).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mendelism”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mendelism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mendelism”
- Incorrectly using 'Mendelism' to refer to all of modern genetics. Confusing it with 'Darwinism' (evolution by natural selection). Spelling as 'Mendalism' (missing the 'e').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Mendelism refers specifically to the original principles of inheritance established by Gregor Mendel. Genetics is the broader, modern scientific discipline that includes Mendelism but also encompasses molecular genetics, genomics, population genetics, and other advanced fields.
No. Many traits, such as height, skin colour, and risk for most common diseases, are polygenic (influenced by many genes) and multifactorial (influenced by both genes and environment), and do not follow the simple patterns described by Mendelism.
It provided the first rigorous, mathematical framework for understanding heredity, replacing earlier vague ideas of 'blending'. It established the concepts of dominant and recessive alleles, segregation, and independent assortment, which are still core to genetic analysis.
Mendel's work was independently rediscovered in 1900 by three scientists: Hugo de Vries, Carl Correns, and Erich von Tschermak, leading to the widespread recognition of 'Mendelism'.
The theory of heredity developed by Gregor Mendel, based on the transmission of discrete factors (genes) from parents to offspring according to specific mathematical patterns.
Mendelism is usually formal / academic in register.
Mendelism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛnd(ə)lɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛndəˌlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Gregor MENDEL in his garden, writing down the 'ISMs' (rules/principles) he discovered about pea plants. MENDEL + ISM = MENDELISM.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEREDITY IS A MATHEMATICAL EQUATION (due to its predictable ratios). SCIENCE IS A BUILDING (Mendelism as the foundation).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is MOST closely associated with Mendelism?