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 identification of this gene has sped up the process of almond breeding. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026

At the same time, no single gene determines whether someone will develop the condition. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026

It is caused by a mutation on the FOLR1 gene and can produce some similar symptoms to autism, such as communication issues. —Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026

People who have a gene increasing their cancer risk may need more monitoring for recurrences or additional cancers, and may want to encourage family members to get tested. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026

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