Definition of: recessive

(ri·ses′iv) adjective
1. Having a tendency to recede or go back; receding.
2. Failing to come into expression.
3. Genetics Designating that one of a pair of contrasted allelomorphic characters which is suppressed in a hybrid offspring when both are present: opposed to dominant.
—noun Genetics
1. A hybrid which carries and transmits a character suppressed by the corresponding dominant character.
2. The suppressed character.
—re·ces′sive·ly adverb