genome

noun

ge·​nome ˈjē-ˌnōm 

: one haploid set of chromosomes with the genes they contain

broadly : the genetic material of an organism compare proteome

Examples of genome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Colossal plans to recreate these creatures by editing the genome of the extinct animal’s closest living relative to make a hybrid animal that would be visually indistinguishable from its extinct forerunner. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025

In total, the team studied the genomes of 57 individuals buried at the site between 100 B.C.E to 100 C.E. Many of the Durotriges could be traced back to the same shared female ancestor, including an adult woman, her daughter, her granddaughters and potentially her great-grandson. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025

Early trials have sequenced the whole genomes of newborns. —Alexis Kayser, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025

In a previous study, the research team analyzed the genomes of over 300 dogs living in the Chornobyl site for genetic variants. —Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

German Genom, from Gen gene + -om (as in Chromosom chromosome)

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing genome

• genome editing

Medical Definition

genome

noun

ge·​nome ˈjē-ˌnōm 

: one haploid set of chromosomes with the genes they contain

broadly : the genetic material of an organism

The idea behind sequencing an organism's genome—decoding, letter by letter, the message contained in every last one of its genes—is that it would tell us a lot about how the organism works.

—Lori Oliwenstein, Discover