gene pool

noun

: the collection of genes in an interbreeding population that includes each gene at a certain frequency in relation to its alleles : the genetic information of a population of interbreeding organisms
the human gene pool

Examples of gene pool in a Sentence

the gene pool of a species
Recent Examples on the Web
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This genetic isolation also makes the island tree more vulnerable to environmental threats — such as drought, a new disease or pests — in comparison with a tree species with a more diverse gene pool. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026 For bottlenecked species whose numbers are so low that breeding carries a risk of inbreeding, making tiny tweaks to the DNA could create synthetic genetic diversity and expand the gene pool. Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026 Taking them to their natural habitat in Africa isn’t feasible, given their limited gene pool and chance of carrying diseases. Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 1 May 2026 If so, their gene pool might just be a national treasure. Laura Lane, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gene pool

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene pool was in 1941

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Cite this Entry

“Gene pool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20pool. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

gene pool

noun
: the collection of genes in an interbreeding population that includes each gene at a certain frequency in relation to its alleles : the genetic information of a population of interbreeding organisms
the human gene pool

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