genome

noun

ge·​nome ˈjē-ˌnōm How to pronounce genome (audio)
: one haploid set of chromosomes with the genes they contain
broadly : the genetic material of an organism compare proteome

Examples of genome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The project grew out of Scarpetta’s broader research, which included looking at genomes of over 200 lizard species from around the world. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025 The team sequenced the genome of each bluebottle, then grouped them together in clusters based on their geographic range in the oceans (Figure 1c). Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 This Predatory Jellyfish Lived Before Plants Had Even Evolved Merging Genetics and Citizen Science The team sequenced the genomes of 151 Physalia samples and compared them with thousands of images submitted by citizen scientists on iNaturalist.org. Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 20 June 2025 The team sequenced the genome of each bluebottle, then grouped them together in clusters based on their geographic range in the oceans, according to the study. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for genome

Word History

Etymology

German Genom, from Gen gene + -om (as in Chromosom chromosome)

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of genome was in 1926

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Cite this Entry

“Genome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genome. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

genome

noun
ge·​nome ˈjē-ˌnōm How to pronounce genome (audio)
: one haploid set of chromosomes with the genes they contain
broadly : the genetic material of an organism
The idea behind sequencing an organism's genome—decoding, letter by letter, the message contained in every last one of its genes—is that it would tell us a lot about how the organism works. Lori Oliwenstein, Discover

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