morgan

mor·gan

noun \ˈmȯr-gən\

Definition of MORGAN

1

: a unit of inferred distance between genes on a chromosome that is used in constructing genetic maps and is equal to the distance for which the frequency of crossing over between specific pairs of genes is 100 percent

2

: centimorgan

Origin of MORGAN

Thomas Hunt Morgan

First Known Use: 1919

Rhymes with MORGAN

gorgon, organ

Mor·gan

noun \ˈmȯr-gən\

Definition of MORGAN

: any of an American breed of light strong horses originated in Vermont from the progeny of one prepotent stallion of uncertain ancestry

Origin of MORGAN

Justin Morgan †1798 American teacher

First Known Use: 1841

Mor·gan

biographical name \ˈmȯr-gən\

Definition of MORGAN

Daniel 1736–1802 Am. gen. in Revolution

Morgan

biographical name

Definition of MORGAN

Sir Henry 1635–1688 Eng. buccaneer

Morgan

biographical name

Definition of MORGAN

John Hunt 1825–1864 Am. Confed. cavalry officer

Morgan

biographical name

Definition of MORGAN

J(ohn) P(ier*pont) \ˈpir-ˌpänt\ 1837–1913 Am. financier

Morgan

biographical name

Definition of MORGAN

J(ohn) P(ierpont) Jr. 1867–1943 son of J.P. Am. financier

Morgan

biographical name

Definition of MORGAN

Thomas Hunt 1866–1945 Am. geneticist

Morgan

biographical name

Definition of MORGAN

William Wilson 1906–1994 Am. astron.

mor·gan

noun \ˈmȯr-gən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of MORGAN

1

: a unit of inferred distance between genes on a chromosome that is used in constructing genetic maps and is equal to the distance for which the frequency of crossing-over is 100 percent

2

: centimorgan

Biographical Note for MORGAN

Morgan, Thomas Hunt (1866–1945), American geneticist. Morgan spent much of his career as a professor of experimental biology at Columbia University. He became a pioneer in the developing science of genetics. In 1908 and 1909 he began a series of experiments first with mice and rats and then with fruit flies of the genus Drosophila. During the next several years he discovered many mutant traits, such as eye colors, body colors, and wing variations, and determined the modes of heredity. He and the members of his experimental laboratory made such advances in genetics as a clear understanding of sex-linkage, final proof of the chromosome theory of heredity, establishment of the linear arrangement of genes in the chromosome, the demonstration of interference in crossing-over, and the discovery of chromosomal inversions. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1933.