plural genes
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
Examples of gene in a Sentence
She inherited a good set of genes from her parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
In the new study, researchers conducted a gene analysis in 182 skin biopsies from tanning bed users and tracked mutation patterns.
—
Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
Hidden genetic controller Unlike conventional genes that encode proteins, CISTR-ACT belongs to the non-coding genome, which makes up about 98 percent of human DNA.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025
Neuroscience research has shown that even from a young age, people’s social relationships influence which of our genes turn on and off.
—Niral Shah, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
In the study, for example, 30% of women with high-risk genes did not have a family history of breast cancer.
—Alice Park, Time, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gene
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Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
Hidden genetic controller Unlike conventional genes that encode proteins, CISTR-ACT belongs to the non-coding genome, which makes up about 98 percent of human DNA.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025
Neuroscience research has shown that even from a young age, people’s social relationships influence which of our genes turn on and off.
—Niral Shah, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025
In the study, for example, 30% of women with high-risk genes did not have a family history of breast cancer.
—Alice Park, Time, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gene
noun
: a part of DNA or sometimes RNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that contains chemical information needed to make a particular protein (as an enzyme) controlling or influencing an inherited bodily trait or activity (as eye color or metabolism) or that influences or controls the activity of another gene or genes
Medical Definition
gene
noun
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
called also determinant, determiner, factor
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