acquired

adjective

ac·​quired ə-ˈkwī(-ə)rd 

1

: gained by or as a result of effort or experience

acquired wealth

acquired knowledge

2

: attained as a new or added characteristic, trait, or ability

an acquired taste

It has been theorized that the acquired tolerance to peppers' heat reported by those who enjoy repeated meals of blistering hot peppers is caused by the killing of pain receptors in the mouth.

—The Columbia (Missouri) Daily Tribune

: such as

a

: being or relating to a physical or behavioral characteristic or trait arising in response to the action of the environment on an organism

This is clearly a claim on behalf of the Lamarckian idea that members of a species can inherit behavioral characteristics developed by their ancestors, that is, that acquired traits can be biologically transmitted.

—David McNally

b

of a disease or medical condition : developed after birth : not congenital or hereditary

Rheumatic fever is currently uncommon in most developed countries, but it remains the leading cause of acquired heart disease among children in many resource-poor areas …

—Michael R. Wessels

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing acquired

• acquired brain injury
• acquired immune deficiency syndrome
• acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• acquired taste
• community-acquired

Kids Definition

acquired

adjective

1

: gained by or as a result of effort or experience

2

: caused by environmental forces and not passed from parent to offspring in the genes

acquired characteristics

Medical Definition

acquired

adjective

ac·​quired

1

of a disease or medical condition : developed or originating after birth : not congenital or hereditary

Hyperoxaluria may be due to overproduction from hereditary disorders of metabolism or it may be an acquired disorder caused by intestinal disease or diet.

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

compare congenital sense 2, familial, genetic sense 2, hereditary

2

: being or relating to a physical or behavioral characteristic or trait arising in response to the action of the environment on an organism

This is clearly a claim on behalf of the Lamarckian idea that members of a species can inherit behavioral characteristics developed by their ancestors, that is, that acquired traits can be biologically transmitted.

—David McNally, Bodies of Meaning