Horizontal transmission
- Pronunciation
- /HOR-i-zon-tal trans-mih-SHUN/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Horizontal transmission
- Plural
- Horizontal transmissions
Definition
The transfer of genetic material or pathogens between organisms within the same generation, typically within a population of the same species.
Etymology
From the Latin 'horizontalis', meaning 'horizontal', and 'transmission', referring to the transfer of something.
Example
Horizontal transmission of a virus can occur between mosquitoes when they feed on an infected host.