recombination

noun

re·​com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən 

: the formation by the processes of crossing-over and independent assortment of new combinations of genes in progeny that did not occur in the parents

recombinational

ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of recombination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Much of intellectual history is a recombination of prior thought in new contexts. —Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025

So, the hydrogen and helium atoms formed during recombination, when the cooler temperature allowed electrons to fall into orbits. —Stephen L. Levy, The Conversation, 23 June 2025

And none of the researchers, not even the recombination experts, could know which aspects of this new technology would genuinely pose a risk. —Eva Amsen, JSTOR Daily, 11 June 2025

Navigating the cognitive revolution True creativity, innovation and research are not just probabilistic recombinations of past data. —Wolfgang Messner, The Conversation, 2 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for recombination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

recombination

noun

re·​com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən 

: the formation of new combinations of genes

Medical Definition

recombination

noun

re·​com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən 

: the formation by the processes of crossing-over and independent assortment of new combinations of genes in progeny that did not occur in the parents

recombinational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective