Incomplete Dominance

Definition

Incomplete dominance is a form of intermediate inheritance in which one allele for a specific trait is not completely expressed over its paired allele. This results in a third phenotype, where the expressed physical trait is a combination of the phenotypes of both alleles.

Related terms

Dominant Allele:

An allele that expresses its phenotypic effect even when it's paired with a different allele; typically masks the effect of a recessive allele.

Recessive Allele:

An allele that only expresses its phenotypic effect when it's paired with an identical recessive allele.

Phenotype:

The observable physical properties of an organism; these include the organism's appearance, development, and behavior.