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
Though there’s strong scientific proof that allergies and asthma run in families, genes may not be the only cause.
—
Dr. Daniel Digiacomo, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
The researchers were dealing mostly in speculation — the gene modification technology that scientists could use to doom the screwworm is untested at scale and not ready to be deployed.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 7 June 2026
According to clinical literature, the human body lacks the functional gene (GULO) to synthesize ascorbic acid endogenously, meaning our vitamin C pool can be fully depleted within as little as one to three months on a deficient diet.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
In experiments, mice without the GPR133 gene developed early bone loss resembling osteoporosis.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gene
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Dr. Daniel Digiacomo, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
The researchers were dealing mostly in speculation — the gene modification technology that scientists could use to doom the screwworm is untested at scale and not ready to be deployed.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 7 June 2026
According to clinical literature, the human body lacks the functional gene (GULO) to synthesize ascorbic acid endogenously, meaning our vitamin C pool can be fully depleted within as little as one to three months on a deficient diet.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
In experiments, mice without the GPR133 gene developed early bone loss resembling osteoporosis.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gene
noun
: 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
: 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
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