weismannism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Technical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “weismannism” mean?
The biological theory proposed by August Weismann asserting that hereditary information is transmitted only via the germ cells (sperm and egg) and cannot be influenced by the somatic cells (body cells) or the environment of the organism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The biological theory proposed by August Weismann asserting that hereditary information is transmitted only via the germ cells (sperm and egg) and cannot be influenced by the somatic cells (body cells) or the environment of the organism.
More broadly, it refers to the doctrine of the continuity of the germ plasm and the non-inheritance of acquired characteristics, forming a key pillar of modern evolutionary synthesis and opposing Lamarckism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or usage differences. The term is used identically in both dialects within academic discourse.
Connotations
Carries connotations of early 20th-century biological debate, the foundational split between germ line and soma, and a rigorous, materialist approach to heredity.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, occurring almost exclusively in historical or philosophical contexts related to biology. No regional variation in frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “weismannism” in a Sentence
Weismannism posits that...The central tenet of Weismannism is...According to Weismannism,...a critique of WeismannismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weismannism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Weismannian barrier was a foundational concept.
- His views were strictly Weismannist.
American English
- A Weismannian perspective on heredity.
- The debate involved Weismannist principles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in history of science, philosophy of biology, and historical reviews of genetics to denote a specific theoretical position on heredity.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in specialized discussions of evolutionary theory history, often contrasted with modern epigenetics or Neo-Lamarckian revivals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weismannism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weismannism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weismannism”
- Misspelling as 'Weismanism' or 'Weissmannism'.
- Using it to describe modern genetics rather than its historical context.
- Confusing it with general 'Darwinism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its core principle—the non-inheritance of *typical* somatic mutations—remains foundational. However, the absolute 'Weismann barrier' has been nuanced by discoveries in epigenetics and virology, which show some mechanisms for environmental information to affect heredity.
August Weismann (1834–1914) was a German evolutionary biologist. His experiments and theories, particularly on the germ plasm, were instrumental in discrediting Lamarckism and shaping modern genetics.
It is a conceptual barrier, proposed by Weismann, stating that hereditary information flows only from germ cells to somatic cells (during development) and never in reverse, from soma to germ line.
Almost exclusively in academic texts on the history of biology, the philosophy of science, or in discussions comparing historical theories of heredity (e.g., in university courses). You are unlikely to encounter it in everyday language or modern scientific papers.
The biological theory proposed by August Weismann asserting that hereditary information is transmitted only via the germ cells (sperm and egg) and cannot be influenced by the somatic cells (body cells) or the environment of the organism.
Weismannism is usually academic, technical, historical in register.
Weismannism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈvʌɪsmənɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈvaɪsmənɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'WEISMANN ISolated the M&Ms.' The germ-line (M&Ms in the packet) are isolated from the body (the hand), so what the body does can't change the M&Ms for the next generation.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEREDITY IS A SEALED INSTRUCTION BOOK (passed down unchanged; the body's experiences cannot write in it).
Practice
Quiz
Weismannism is historically most directly opposed to which theory?