2. (Genetics) Not appearing in the phenotype unless both alleles of the organism have the same trait; -- of genetic characteristics, or of the genes coding for such characteristics, in diploid organisms. Opposite of dominant; hemophilia is a recessive trait. [ PJC ]
n. (Genetics) A genetic trait determined by a recessive{ 2 } allele; a trait not appearing in the phenotype unless both chromosomes of the organism have the same allele; also, an allele which is recessive{ 2 }. [ PJC ]