/-əns; -əns/
n
1 [U] ~ (of sth) (from sb/sth) inheriting (sth from sb) 继承; 遗传
*The title passes by inheritance to the eldest son. 这头衔按世袭传给长子.
* (fig 比喻) the inheritance of good looks from one's parents 得自父母遗传的美貌
* [attrib 作定语] inheritance tax 遗产税.
2 [C] ~ (from sb) what is inherited 继承或遗传之物; 遗产; 遗赠物
*When she was
21 she came into (ie received) her inheritance. 她21岁时获得遗产.
* (fig 比喻) a bitter dispute which left an inheritance of ill-feeling 留下恶感的激烈争辩. Cf 参看 legacy.

n
[U and C]
money, property etc that you receive from someone who has died
　Lucinda has to fight for her life and her inheritance in this gripping novel.
[U]
physical or mental qualities that you inherit from your family
　Our genetic inheritance cannot be changed.
[U]
ideas, skills, literature etc from the past that influence people in the present
　ideas that have become part of our cultural inheritance