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
Eligibility will be determined by SRY gene screening, also known as genetic testing.
—
Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
There, the cells were cultured and injected with a virus that carries the gene that LAD-1 patients are missing, Kohn said.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
One resistance gene was 100% identical, suggesting a relatively recent swap.
—Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
With the computing power coming on line, and with AI, researchers soon may be able to link combinations of genes that contribute to different mental health conditions.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gene
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Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
There, the cells were cultured and injected with a virus that carries the gene that LAD-1 patients are missing, Kohn said.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
One resistance gene was 100% identical, suggesting a relatively recent swap.
—Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
With the computing power coming on line, and with AI, researchers soon may be able to link combinations of genes that contribute to different mental health conditions.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gene
noun
: 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
: 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
