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, Oc Register, 30 July 2025

Hydrogen peroxide forms as a byproduct when energetic particles break apart water molecules, leading to the recombination of OH radicals — highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons. —Victoria Corless, Space.com, 23 July 2025

With their dark, distinctive melodies and rupturing guitar riffs, these albums are the sound of seasoned rockers who are skilled at evoking the Nineties indie-guitar recombination of the moment. —Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 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

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