-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
Kind of a scary thing to me, to think about what this world is going to be like if all of our genetic codes are in a computer database.
—CBS News, 4 Sep. 2024
So the genetic code is literally a code book that goes from DNA — or actually, messenger RNA to amino acid, that then gets linked into a protein.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2024
Scientists had developed a bespoke treatment for her, a snippet of genetic code targeting the gene at the heart of those symptoms.
—Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 9 Aug. 2024
Within the skin are millions of letters of genetic code contained in fossil chromosomes, or microscopic threadlike structures that carry DNA.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 13 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for genetic code
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'genetic code.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1958, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near genetic code
Cite this Entry
“Genetic code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetic%20code. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on genetic code
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about genetic code
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share