transgene

noun

trans·​gene ˈtran(t)s-ˌjēn How to pronounce transgene (audio)
ˈtranz-
: a gene that is taken from the genome of one organism and introduced into the genome of another organism by artificial techniques

Examples of transgene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Future research avenues could explore other cell targets to improve vector targeting or investigate novel methods that transition semi-random integration to more precise integration of transgenes into the host genome. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Again, the males are altered, this time with a transgene for an enzyme that cuts up DNA. Jeff Wheelwright, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2015 Pest control and resistance management through release of insects carrying a male-selecting transgene. Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2015 But the hybrids do not contain the transgene and thus are not GM mosquitoes. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 2 Oct. 2019 The team didn’t find mosquitoes carrying the transgenes, foreign to A. aegypti, that Oxitec introduced to kill offspring and to fluorescently label the mosquitoes as GM. Kelly Servick, Science | AAAS, 1 Oct. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transgene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transgene was in 1984

Dictionary Entries Near transgene

Cite this Entry

“Transgene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transgene. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

transgene

noun
: a gene that is taken from the genome of one organism and introduced into the genome of another organism by artificial techniques
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!