Hereditary (adjective)

1. Relating to or inherited through the genes from one's ancestors.
2. Relating to or passed down within a family or group from generation to generation.

Origin:

Derived from the latin word 'hereditas', meaning 'an inheritance'.

Examples:

1. The family's wealth is largely hereditary, passed down from one generation to the next.
2. Many diseases, such as Huntington's disease and cystic fibrosis, are caused by hereditary mutations in a single gene.
3. The hereditary rulers of the small kingdom have been in power for over 500 years, tracing their lineage back to the medieval era.
4. The hereditary principle of succession has been a source of conflict and instability in many societies throughout history.
5. The hereditary aristocracy held a disproportionate amount of power and influence in the country, leading to widespread discontent and revolution.