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Definition

adjective

(general) Going back; receding.

(genetics) Of, or pertaining to, a gene (or allele) whose phenotypic expression is masked by a dominant gene (or allele).

noun

(1) A recessive allele or trait.

(2) An organism whose recessive trait is discernible or expressed.

Supplement

In genetics, a recessive gene or allele is one in which the effect is not tangible, or is masked by the effects of the dominant gene. The recessive trait may be expressed when the recessive genes are in homozygous condition or when the dominant gene is not present. That happens when an organism inherits a pair of recessive genes from its parents.

Word origin: Latin recess(us), a withdrawal, receding part + -ive.

Related forms: recessiveness (noun), recessively (adverb).
Related terms:

• autosomal recessive
• recessive gene
• recessive inheritance
• sex linked recessive

Compare: dominant.