gene

noun

ˈjēn 

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

While many genes saw changes after the researchers selected for mite resistance, those associated with metabolic processes such as glycolysis, which involves enzymes breaking down glucose, were especially affected. —Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025

Any researcher can access this repository to explore associations between blood biomarkers, disease outcomes, genes, lifestyle factors and other health features. —Jean Wactawski-Wende, The Conversation, 2 May 2025

Genetic studies involving large groups of patients can shed light on how genes and environmental factors contribute to the onset of PTSD. —Jo A Sornborger, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025

This loss is often accelerated by human activities and can occur at various levels, including the reduction of individual genes, allele frequencies, and entire populations or varieties. —Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gene

• gene conversion
• gene editing
• gene flow
• gene frequency
• gene mutation
• gene pool
• gene-splicing
• gene therapy
• lethal gene
• regulator gene
• regulatory gene
• structural gene
• tumor suppressor gene

Rhymes for gene

• bean
• bein
• bien
• bouin
• chine
• clean
• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine

Kids Definition

gene

noun

ˈjēn 

: 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

ˈjēn 

: 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