weismann: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “weismann” mean?
A proper noun referring to August Weismann, a prominent German evolutionary biologist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to August Weismann, a prominent German evolutionary biologist.
Used attributively to describe concepts central to Weismann's theories, especially the principle of the non-inheritance of acquired characteristics and the separation of germ plasm from somatic cells.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling; the term is identically specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes a specific historical figure and a foundational theory in biology.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse, with identical low frequency in both UK and US academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “weismann” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weismann” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Weismannian view was dominant for decades.
- They debated the Weismann doctrine.
American English
- A central Weismannian principle is germ-line sequestration.
- The Weismann barrier is a key concept.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical and philosophical discussions of evolutionary biology and genetics.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in specialized texts on evolutionary theory, germ plasm theory, and the history of biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weismann”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weismann”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weismann”
- Misspelling as 'Weisman' (dropping the double 'n').
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a weismann').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized proper noun used almost exclusively in academic contexts related to the history of evolutionary biology.
It is the conceptual principle, proposed by August Weismann, that hereditary information flows only from germ cells to somatic cells (body cells) and not in the reverse direction.
Yes, but the derived form 'Weismannian' is more standard for adjectival use (e.g., Weismannian theory). The possessive 'Weismann's' is also commonly used attributively.
His germ plasm theory provided a mechanistic argument against the inheritance of acquired characteristics and laid crucial groundwork for the later modern synthesis of genetics and evolution.
A proper noun referring to August Weismann, a prominent German evolutionary biologist.
Weismann is usually technical / academic in register.
Weismann: in British English it is pronounced /ˈvaɪsmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈvaɪsmɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Weismann's wall”
- “The Weismannian dogma”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Wise Man' of germ plasm: August Weismann WISELY separated the germ line from the body line.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BARRIER or WALL separating the immortal germ line (the blueprint passed on) from the mortal somatic body.
Practice
Quiz
August Weismann is most famously associated with which concept?