gene

noun

\ ˈjēn

plural genes

Definition of gene

: 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

Lev Valerievich Bure, born on February 20, 2000, clearly got his father's genes: The 19-year-old just started off his hockey career with the Odessa Jackalope, a junior hockey team based in Texas. — Amanda Garrity, Good Housekeeping, "Meet 'Fuller House' Star Candace Cameron Bure's Husband and Three Kids," 17 Mar. 2019 But some of He’s peers in science, who work on gene editing and ethics, also aren’t happy with the experiment. — Julia Belluz, Vox, "Is the CRISPR baby controversy the start of a terrifying new chapter in gene editing?," 22 Jan. 2019 The method works using the enzymes involved in gene editing. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "Gene drive used to turn all female mosquitos sterile," 27 Sep. 2018 Researchers are developing therapies that could permanently alter a patient’s genes, allowing his body to produce the clotting element. — Kate Bachelder Odell, WSJ, "When Medical Innovation Meets Politics," 24 Aug. 2018 The researchers are now trying to figure out which of the lizard’s genes produce all the green running through their veins. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "These Lizards Evolved Toxic Green Blood," 17 May 2018 One of the first cases in which a family member’s genes led police to a suspect took place in Britain. — Avi Selk, Washington Post, "The ingenious and ‘dystopian’ DNA technique police used to hunt the Golden State Killer," 27 Apr. 2018 Hilliard got athletic genes from his parents, who met during their freshman year at Southern University and have been married for 22 years. — Ron Higgins, NOLA.com, "Little Big Man: LSU pitcher Ma'Khail Hilliard cuts batters down to size," 30 Mar. 2018 According to their new study, mutations are present in seven of Ata’s genes that are all involved in human growth. — Emery Smith, National Geographic, "Tiny Mummy’s ‘Alien’ Appearance Finally Explained," 22 Mar. 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.

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Last Updated

23 May 2019

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Time Traveler for gene

The first known use of gene was in 1909

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More Definitions for gene

gene

noun

English Language Learners Definition of gene

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

See the full definition for gene in the English Language Learners Dictionary

gene

noun

\ ˈjēn

Kids Definition of gene

: 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