gene editing

noun

variants or genome editing

: the use of biotechnological techniques to make changes to specific DNA sequences in the genome of a living organism

Fundamental research into the ways by which bacteria defend themselves against viruses has recently led to the development of powerful new techniques that make it possible to perform gene editing—that is, precisely altering genetic sequences—in living cells, including those of humans, at much higher accuracy and efficiency than ever before possible.

—David Baltimore et al.

The era of straightforward genome editing raises ethical questions that will need to be addressed by scientists and society at large.

—Jennifer A. Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier

—often hyphenated when used before another noun

a gene-editing technique called CRISPR

Examples of gene editing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And the treatment's positive results appear to be a first for personalizing gene editing. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025

In an example of recent gene editing, scientists put woolly mammoth DNA into mice. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025

The 2025 awards specifically honored individuals pioneering discoveries in gene editing, human diseases, and the fundamental particles of the universe and its underlying mathematical principles. —Ashley Lan, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2025

Such gene editing might remove undesirable traits or adapt humans to conditions hitherto unachievable by natural means, such as being able to breathe underwater or survive unaided in other extreme conditions, Gee writes. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gene editing

• accrediting
• discrediting
• crediting