NCI Dictionary of Genetics Terms

X-linked dominant inheritance: (... linkt DAH-mih-nunt in-HAYR-ih-tunts); X-linked dominant inheritance refers to genetic conditions associated with mutations in genes on the X chromosome. A single copy of the mutation is enough to cause the disease in both males (who have one X chromosome) and females (who have two X chromosomes). In some conditions, the absence of a functional gene results in the death of affected males.
X-linked recessive inheritance: (…. linkt reh-SEH-siv in-HAYR-ih-tunts); X-linked recessive inheritance refers to genetic conditions associated with mutations in genes on the X chromosome. A male carrying such a mutation will be affected, because he carries only one X chromosome. A female carrying a mutation in one gene, with a normal gene on the other X chromosome, is generally unaffected.