gene

noun

ˈjēn 

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

The scientists found that in orange cats' melanocytes – the pigmentation cells – the gene ARHGAP36 was more active, and all had the missing piece of code. —New Atlas, 24 May 2025

More specifically, the researchers found a reduced diversity of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, which help support immune health. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025

Novel genes associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: diagnostic and clinical implications Journal of Neurology. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2025

People who have certain combinations of those genes have significantly better odds of making it to 100. —Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 18 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

German Gen, short for Pangen, from pan- + -gen

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing gene

• gene conversion
• gene editing
• gene flow
• gene frequency
• gene mutation
• gene pool
• gene-splicing
• gene therapy
• lethal gene
• regulator gene
• regulatory gene
• structural gene
• tumor suppressor gene

Rhymes for gene

• bean
• bein
• bien
• bouin
• chine
• clean
• acetylene
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• antipyrine
• apomorphine

Kids Definition

gene

noun

ˈjēn 

: 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

ˈjēn 

: 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