genome

noun ge·nome \ ˈjē-ˌnōm \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Definition of genome

: one haploid set of chromosomes with the genes they contain; broadly : the genetic material of an organism — compare proteome

Recent Examples of genome from the Web

The new clinical program builds on a research biobank and genome-sequencing initiative called MyCode that Geisinger started in 2007 to collect and analyze its patients’ DNA.

— michelle andrews, The Seattle Times, "What if your doctor offered genetic testing as a way to keep you healthy?," 28 May 2018
Its services include genome sequencing, brain, liver and heart examination.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Genome pioneer Craig Venter retiring from Human Longevity; returning to JCVI," 25 May 2018
By analyzing more genomes from leprosy patients of centuries past, scientists may be able to shed further light on the mysterious history of this devastating disease.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Did Leprosy Originate in Europe?," 14 May 2018
That procedure looks for a specific problem in a few embryos, not entire genomes from dozens of them.

— Washington Post, "Parenting of the future: Many embryos, each with DNA profile," 18 Apr. 2018
In the new study, Browning and her colleagues examined more than 5,500 genomes of modern humans from Europe, Asia and Oceania, looking for any possible archaic DNA.

— ben guarino, Anchorage Daily News, "Humans bred with this mysterious species more than once, new study shows," 16 Mar. 2018
In the new study, Browning and her colleagues examined more than 5,500 genomes of modern humans from Europe, Asia and Oceania, looking for any possible archaic DNA.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Humans bred with this mysterious species more than once, new study shows," 16 Mar. 2018
Scientists have devised some ways around this: During the last decade genome-wide association studies have helped scientists link certain genetic mutations to specific disorders, for example.

— dina fine maron, Scientific American, "Getting to the Root of the Problem: Stem Cells Are Revealing New Secrets about Mental Illness," 27 Feb. 2018
The first part would require deciphering more than eight genomes a day; the second almost 140; the third, about 1,000.

— The Economist, "GenomicsSequencing the world," 23 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'genome.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of genome

German Genom, from Gen gene + -om (as in Chromosom chromosome)

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1926

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Genetics Terms

chimera, hermaphrodite, plasticity

Medical Dictionary

genome

noun ge·nome \ ˈjē-ˌnōm \

medical Definition of genome

: one haploid set of chromosomes with the genes they contain; broadly : the genetic material of an organism

The idea behind sequencing an organism's genome—decoding, letter by letter, the message contained in every last one of its genes—is that it would tell us a lot about how the organism works.
—Lori Oliwenstein, Discover, January 1996