gene

noun

ˈjēn 

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

The gene therapy involves removing the patient’s stem cells, sending them to a lab at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London for modification, and replacing the faulty gene by re-injecting the modified cells. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

Tibetan wolves have the same gene. —CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

Gene therapy treatment Also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), this syndrome is caused by a faulty gene that prevents the body from producing a vital enzyme. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Nov. 2025

With more copies of this gene, the thinking goes, elephants eliminate more potentially problematic cells, and keep their cancer rates down. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

German Gen, short for Pangen, from pan- + -gen

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gene

• gene conversion
• gene editing
• gene flow
• gene frequency
• gene mutation
• gene pool
• gene-splicing
• gene therapy
• lethal gene
• regulator gene
• regulatory gene
• structural gene
• tumor suppressor gene

Rhymes for gene

• bean
• bein
• bien
• bouin
• chine
• clean
• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine

Kids Definition

gene

noun

ˈjēn 

: 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

ˈjēn 

: 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