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phe·net·ic

(fĭ-nĕtĭk)

adj.

Of, relating to, or designating a system of classification of organisms based on analysis of a large number of quantifiable character traits, without consideration of evolutionary relationships.

[PHEN(OTYPE) + -ETIC.]

phe·neti·cal·ly adv.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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