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

Over the past decade, the field has moved from theory to increasingly sophisticated immunological, gene-based, and combination strategies. — Jeff Berry, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026

By working backwards, their models can predict how those genes will change in the future. — Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Researchers have long debated whether, at the origin of life, genes or metabolism came first because each seems dependent on the other. — Philip Ball, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026

The report highlighted the gene-editing tool CRISPR, in particular, for its revolutionary positive and simultaneously pernicious potential. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

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
• clean
• deen
• acetylcysteine
• antisubmarine
• dichlorobenzene
• dimethylamine
• diphenylamine
• ethanolamine

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