Definition of "recessive"
recessive
adjective
comparative more recessive, superlative most recessive
(genetics) Able to be masked by a dominant allele or trait.
Quotations
The Lydenburg male and the other two females have the infuscate pattern definitely more recessive and less evident, although traceable.
1944 June 21, James A. G. Rehn, South African Bird-Locust Records and Notes (Orthoptera; Acrididae; Cyrtacanthacridinae; Group Cyrtacanthacres), Notulae Naturae, Number 137, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, page 3
(by extension) Not dominant; whose effect is masked by stronger effects.
Quotations
The law-making or legislative component was the most recessive component of the legal system of hunter-gatherers, although decisions or advice given by mediators were remembered and used again to settle similar violations of rules or disputes among parties.
2004, Jonathan H. Turner, Human Institutions: A Theory of Societal Evolution, page 112
noun
plural recessives
(genetics) A gene that is recessive.
Quotations
Finally, if we suppose provisionally that the mutant genes are dominant just as often as they are recessive, selection will be far more severe in eliminating the disadvantageous dominants than in eliminating the disadvantageous recessives.
1930, R. A. Fisher, J. H. Bennett, The Genetical Theory of Natural Selection, page 50