genetic code

noun

: the biochemical basis of heredity consisting of codons in DNA and RNA that determine the specific amino acid sequence in proteins and appear to be uniform for nearly all known forms of life

Examples of genetic code in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By treating the genetic code of its customers as a commodity to be sold, 23andMe undermines the inherent dignity of human life that is protected by the constitutional right to life. —Moti Mizrahi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025

The mRNA platform relies on small bits of genetic code, which generated online rumors and conspiracy theories that it was being used to insert microchips into vaccine recipients. —Christina Jewett, New York Times, 1 May 2025

And that last little bit about Kamala’s genetic code? —Nola Pfau, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025

In 2012, Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier developed Crispr, which relies on molecular machinery borrowed from bacteria to slice out genetic material from the nucleus of a cell and replace it with different genetic code. —D. T. Max, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for genetic code

• photocathode
• photodiode
• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode

Kids Definition

genetic code

noun

: the chemical code that is the basis of genetic inheritance and consists of units of three linked chemical groups which specify particular kinds of amino acids used to make proteins or which start or stop the process of making proteins

Medical Definition

genetic code

noun

: the biochemical basis of heredity consisting of codons in DNA and RNA that determine the specific amino acid sequence in proteins and that appear to be uniform for all known forms of life

genetic coding noun