plural genes
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
Examples of gene in a Sentence
She inherited a good set of genes from her parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
In the summer of 2022, the family learned that Leah’s hearing loss was caused by an extremely rare gene called MYO-15A. Both Matthew and Jessica carry the gene.
—
Wendy Grossman Kantor, Peoplemag, 28 June 2024
Professor Barabara Oakley on how to stay mentally agile — and get smarter as a result:
All Stories
The Well
Your genes affect your education.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
Scientists literally take one or more genes from one species and place them in another.
—Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2024
Among East Asians, Koreans have the highest prevalence of the mutation, but Chinese, Vietnamese and others also tend to have the dysfunction of the gene.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 21 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for gene 
Wendy Grossman Kantor, Peoplemag, 28 June 2024
Professor Barabara Oakley on how to stay mentally agile — and get smarter as a result:
All Stories
The Well
Your genes affect your education.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
Scientists literally take one or more genes from one species and place them in another.
—Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2024
Among East Asians, Koreans have the highest prevalence of the mutation, but Chinese, Vietnamese and others also tend to have the dysfunction of the gene.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 21 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for gene
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 5 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gene
noun
: a part of DNA or sometimes RNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that contains chemical information needed to make a particular protein (as an enzyme) controlling or influencing an inherited bodily trait or activity (as eye color or metabolism) or that influences or controls the activity of another gene or genes
Medical Definition
gene
noun
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
called also determinant, determiner, factor
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