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Dictionary Language resources

inheritance

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈhɛrɪt(ə)ns/

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Definition of inheritance

noun

a thing that is inherited: he came into a comfortable inheritance I don’t want a penny of your inheritance figurativethe European cultural inheritance
[mass noun] the action of inheriting:the inheritance of traits

Origin:

late Middle English (formerly also as enheritance): from Anglo-Norman French enheritaunce 'being admitted as heir', from Old French enheriter (see inherit)