a behavioural or cultural trait that is passed on by other than genetic means, e.g. by imitation
The term ‘meme’ was coined in 1976 by Richard Dawkins as an example of a replicator, that is, information copied in an evolutionary process. Examples are habits, skills, stories, or games that are passed on by imitation. Memes range from valuable inventions, scientific theories, or artistic creations to ‘viruses of the mind’ such as chain letters or false beliefs — Dr Susan Blackmore
memetic /miʹmetik/ adj
[Greek mimēma, literally ‘that which is imitated’, by analogy with gene]