noun
- a discredited biological theory that offspring can inherit characteristics from a previous mate of the mother
Usage: archaic; biology
Examples
- The theory of telegony was once used to explain unexpected traits in offspring.
- Scientists in the 19th century believed telegony could account for certain hereditary patterns.
- Modern genetics has completely disproven the concept of telegony.
- Telegony was a popular but incorrect explanation for inheritance before DNA was understood.
- The idea of telegony persisted in some circles despite lack of scientific evidence.