inbreeding
noun
in·breed·ing
ˈin-ˈbrē-diŋ 
1
: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock
2
: confinement to a narrow range or a local or limited field of choice
Examples of inbreeding in a Sentence
genetic defects caused by inbreeding
Recent Examples on the Web
That inbreeding also boosted the purging of harmful mutations.
—
Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 29 June 2024
So, if inbreeding didn’t do in the mammoths, what did?
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2024
This data, which demonstrated low genetic diversity between two species, and inbreeding of one species with another more populous species, offers insights into the competition between baobabs today, said Dr. Wan, and could help protect the trees of tomorrow.
—Tom Page, CNN, 24 June 2024
Physically and genetically distinct breeds have been developed through intensive inbreeding.
—Alexandra Horowitz, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for inbreeding 
Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 29 June 2024
So, if inbreeding didn’t do in the mammoths, what did?
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2024
This data, which demonstrated low genetic diversity between two species, and inbreeding of one species with another more populous species, offers insights into the competition between baobabs today, said Dr. Wan, and could help protect the trees of tomorrow.
—Tom Page, CNN, 24 June 2024
Physically and genetically distinct breeds have been developed through intensive inbreeding.
—Alexandra Horowitz, The New Yorker, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for inbreeding
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Dictionary Entries Near inbreeding
Cite this Entry
“Inbreeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inbreeding. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
inbreeding
noun
in·breed·ing
ˈin-ˈbrēd-iŋ
: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock compare linebreeding, outbreeding
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