gene

noun \ ˈjēn \

|Updated on: 15 Aug 2018

Definition of gene

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

See gene defined for English-language learners

See gene defined for kids

Examples of gene in a Sentence

She inherited a good set of genes from her parents.

Recent Examples of gene from the Web

Crucially, families can come to understand that a loved one died of infection because of a flawed gene.

— claudia wallis, Scientific American, "Extreme Flu? Weird Encephalitis? It May Be Your Genes," 13 July 2018
Edico Genome, which provides technology to speed up analysis of genomic data, was sold to gene sequencing firm Illumina Inc. for $100 million.

— mike freeman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Venture capital surges for San Diego County startups in second quarter," 12 July 2018
Race becomes a symbol for inferior genes that cause illness.

— jennifer w. tsai, STAT, "You can’t tell a book by its cover — or a disease by Drake’s race," 11 July 2018
This gene carries three possible conditions — allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergies), atopic dermatitis and asthma.

— maureen langley, Post-Tribune, "Experts: Indiana's allergy season worse than usual this year," 3 July 2018
Once again the Federal Circuit stood its ground, finding for a second time that the gene patent was valid.

— timothy b. lee, Ars Technica, "Why a 40-year-old SCOTUS ruling against software patents still matters today," 21 June 2018
The stylist, accidental beauty entrepreneur, and, now, icon of agelessness, radiated something beyond great genes and a lit-from-within sunniness.

— refinery29.com, "Linda Rodin’s Rise To Accidental Style Icon," 12 July 2018
Spinal Muscular Atrophy occurs because of mutations in a gene that produces muscle-building proteins.

— naseem s. miller, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Spinal Muscular Atrophy added to national newborn screening panel," 10 July 2018
But there are thousands of other alterations in those genes that the company does not track.

— gina kolata, The Seattle Times, "Online gene test finds dangerous mutation, but it may be wrong," 2 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gene.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of gene

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1909

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Genetics Terms

chimera, hermaphrodite, plasticity

GENE Defined for English Language Learners

gene

noun

Definition of gene for English Language Learners

biology : a part of a cell that controls or influences the appearance, growth, etc., of a living thing

GENE Defined for Kids

gene

noun \ ˈjēn \

Definition of gene for Students

: a unit of DNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that controls the development of one or more traits and is the basic unit by which genetic information is passed from parent to offspring