in⋅her⋅it⋅ance [in-her-i-tuhns] –noun

1.something that is or may be inherited; property passing at the owner’s death to the heir or those entitled to succeed; legacy.

2.the genetic characters transmitted from parent to offspring, taken collectively.

3.something, as a quality, characteristic, or other immaterial possession, received from progenitors or predecessors as if by succession: an inheritance of family pride.

4.the act or fact of inheriting by succession, as if by succession, or genetically: to receive property by inheritance.

5.portion; birthright; heritage: Absolute rule was considered the inheritance of kings.

6.Obsolete. right of possession; ownership.

1.to choose or take as one’s own; make one’s own by selection or assent: to adopt a nickname.2.to take and rear (the child of other parents) as one’s own child, specifically by a formal legal act.3.to take or receive into any kind of new relationship: to adopt a person as a protégé.4.to select as a basic or required textbook or series of textbooks in a course.5.to vote to accept: The House adopted the report.6.to accept or act in accordance with (a plan, principle, etc.).