gene flow

noun

: the passage and establishment of genes typical of one breeding population into the gene pool of another

Examples of gene flow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This differentiates the two ecotypes while maintaining species-wide gene flow. Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 21 May 2026 Wildlife officials say the lions are at risk due to habitat fragmentation, limited gene flow, vehicle strikes, rat poison and disease. More than 1,400 California mountain lions are now protected by the state’s Endangered Species Act. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2026 Another issue is introgression, or gene flow from archaic hominin groups. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026 Evolution is the primary hypothesis, but the authors note there are other explanations that need to be ruled out, such as gene flow, when individuals from elsewhere, such as the mountain birds, enter the population. Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gene flow

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene flow was in 1939

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Cite this Entry

“Gene flow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20flow. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

gene flow

noun
: the passage and establishment of genes typical of one breeding population into the gene pool of another

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