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
Differences in specific genes may cause a person to metabolize caffeine quickly or slowly.
—
Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2025
The researchers used long-term in vivo lineage tracing and gene expression profiling in mice to analyze how McSCs react to different kinds of DNA damage.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Starting fresh, scientists will be able to illuminate the mysteries of metabolism, development, and perhaps even consciousness in ways that editing genes cannot support.
—Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
This catchall term often means genetic engineering – introducing new genes to an organism.
—Berly McCoy, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025
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Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2025
The researchers used long-term in vivo lineage tracing and gene expression profiling in mice to analyze how McSCs react to different kinds of DNA damage.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Starting fresh, scientists will be able to illuminate the mysteries of metabolism, development, and perhaps even consciousness in ways that editing genes cannot support.
—Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
This catchall term often means genetic engineering – introducing new genes to an organism.
—Berly McCoy, NPR, 20 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 26 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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