| intermediate trait | A measurable trait in which there is some evidence of the operation of a simple major cause, but in which the variation within the putative categories is such as to cause overlap and hence ambiguity in classification of any particular reading. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| threshold trait | A trait that falls into natural groups that originate not in categorically distinct causes but in whether or not the outcome attains critical values; e.g., gallstones may result from a categorical cause or from unusual levels of causal factors that themselves show no evidence of grouping. Synonym: liminal trait. (05 Mar 2000) |
| trait | A qualitative characteristic; a discrete attribute as contrasted with metrical character. A trait is amenable to segregation rather than quantitative analysis; it is an attribute of phenotype, not of genotype. Origin: Fr. From L. Tractus, a drawing out, extension (05 Mar 2000) |
| liminal trait | A trait that falls into natural groups that originate not in categorically distinct causes but in whether or not the outcome attains critical values; e.g., gallstones may result from a categorical cause or from unusual levels of causal factors that themselves show no evidence of grouping. Synonym: liminal trait. (05 Mar 2000) |