gene

noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the eyes of the former NFL MVP Joe Theismann, Daniels doesn't possess the kind of gene that would force that mentality. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025 In some cases, this reprogramming can enhance the metabolic capacity of their hosts, encoding genes for central carbon metabolism and ATP generation. New Atlas, 12 July 2025 The team’s genetic analysis focused on the Hox cluster: a family of genes found widely across the animal kingdom that fundamentally control an organism’s physical development. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025 Aspergillus fungi aren’t the target, but exposure to the fungicides gives them a head start developing genes that are resistant to the targets, sometimes before an antifungal drug with the same target even hits the market. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for gene

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene was in 1909

Cite this Entry

“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Kids 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

More from Merriam-Webster on gene

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