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

Say, the genetic code for blue in a butterfly wing, or the pink of a flower petal. —Maeve Campbell, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

The vast majority of fully orange cats are male, which led scientists to reason decades ago that the genetic code for orange color is carried on the X chromosome. —Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 23 May 2025

In the case of genetic data, the individual human being from whom the genetic code was derived is the rightful owner of that genetic data. —Moti Mizrahi, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2025

Hens’ teeth As a matter of evolutionary fact, chicken do not have teeth (though the genetic code for them still lingers). —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 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