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
Decoding the body’s folds The team used advanced EpiSwitch® 3D Genomics technology from Oxford BioDynamics to study how DNA folds within cells, a process that affects which genes turn on or off.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
The disease, which typically emerges between 30 and 50 years of age, is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, which triggers the cells to create a protein called huntingtin that can cause damage to the brain.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Laia Foundation, which is currently raising money for gene replacement research for those with KARS.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Our findings support the idea that, rather than focusing on single genes, taking the whole genome into account would provide insight into how researchers understand what makes someone genetically predisposed to certain diseases and how those diseases develop.
—Santhosh Girirajan, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
The disease, which typically emerges between 30 and 50 years of age, is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, which triggers the cells to create a protein called huntingtin that can cause damage to the brain.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Laia Foundation, which is currently raising money for gene replacement research for those with KARS.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Our findings support the idea that, rather than focusing on single genes, taking the whole genome into account would provide insight into how researchers understand what makes someone genetically predisposed to certain diseases and how those diseases develop.
—Santhosh Girirajan, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
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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