genetic code

noun

: the biochemical basis of heredity consisting of codons in DNA and RNA that determine the specific amino acid sequence in proteins and appear to be uniform for nearly all known forms of life

Examples of genetic code in a Sentence

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.
By treating the genetic code of its customers as a commodity to be sold, 23andMe undermines the inherent dignity of human life that is protected by the constitutional right to life. Moti Mizrahi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025 The mRNA platform relies on small bits of genetic code, which generated online rumors and conspiracy theories that it was being used to insert microchips into vaccine recipients. Christina Jewett, New York Times, 1 May 2025 And that last little bit about Kamala’s genetic code? Nola Pfau, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025 In 2012, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier developed Crispr, which relies on molecular machinery borrowed from bacteria to slice out genetic material from the nucleus of a cell and replace it with different genetic code. D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for genetic code

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of genetic code was in 1958

Cite this Entry

“Genetic code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetic%20code. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

genetic code

noun
: the chemical code that is the basis of genetic inheritance and consists of units of three linked chemical groups which specify particular kinds of amino acids used to make proteins or which start or stop the process of making proteins

Medical Definition

genetic code

noun
: the biochemical basis of heredity consisting of codons in DNA and RNA that determine the specific amino acid sequence in proteins and that appear to be uniform for all known forms of life
genetic coding noun

More from Merriam-Webster on genetic code

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!