recombinant

adjective

re·​com·​bi·​nant (ˌ)rē-ˈkäm-bə-nənt How to pronounce recombinant (audio)
1
: relating to or exhibiting genetic recombination
recombinant progeny
2
a
: relating to or containing genetically engineered DNA
b
: produced by genetic engineering
recombinant bovine growth hormone
recombinant noun

Examples of recombinant 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.
These recombinant proteins can be extracted, spun into fibers, and finished into textile surfaces that resemble leather in appearance and tactility, but behave very differently across weight, durability, and environmental metrics. Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026 Adults aged 18 and older can receive a recombinant flu vaccine, which is produced without eggs, for people 18 years and older, and Americans aged 65 and older can opt for a higher dose due to their risk of severe illness. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2025 Small Biopharmaceutical Drugs In recent years, the U.S. has approved several biopharmaceutical drugs, including those developed through recombinant DNA technology and gene cloning. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2025 In 1982, insulin was the first recombinant DNA drug to be marketed as Humulin by Eli Lilly & Co. Match these archaic or obsolete medical terms with their modern names. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recombinant

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recombinant was in 1940

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Cite this Entry

“Recombinant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recombinant. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

recombinant

1 of 2 adjective
re·​com·​bi·​nant (ˈ)rē-ˈkäm-bə-nənt How to pronounce recombinant (audio)
1
: relating to or exhibiting genetic recombination
recombinant progeny
2
a
: relating to or containing genetically engineered DNA
b
: produced by genetic engineering
recombinant bovine growth hormone

recombinant

2 of 2 noun
: an individual exhibiting recombination
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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