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

The agency also does sequencing on thousands of cases every year, publishing their genetic code to help researchers and health departments track and study outbreaks and worrying changes to viruses and bacteria. —Alexander Tin, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2025

Each tumor’s unique genetic code may reveal hundreds of mutations and interactions, all of which hold crucial clues for treatment. —Jurgi Camblong, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

In the case of Colossal’s trumpeted dire wolves, the animals were created by developing the most complete genetic map ever made of the extinct species and then making 20 genetic edits of the genetic code of a near-cousin, the grey wolf, selecting for specific dire wolf characteristics. —Degen Pener, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025

Swabbing the individuals’ cheek, the agents obtained a DNA sample containing the individual's entire genetic code and then sent the sample to the FBI for processing. —Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired News, 29 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for genetic code

• photocathode
• photodiode
• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode

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