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

The researchers found that many of the genes this group passed along to humans were not located near regions of the genome corresponding to gene functions; this could reflect a concept called purifying selection, which is the process of natural selection filtering out harmful mutations. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025

Since the report of the first whole genome sequencing in 2003, genomic analysis has transformed from a futuristic concept into the gold standard of care. —Jurgi Camblong, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

There are now 32 state Medicaid programs that cover exome or genome sequencing in pediatric outpatient settings, and rapid genome sequencing in the neonatal intensive care unit across 14 states. —Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025

Advances in sequencing the human genome supported in part by the institutes also led to therapies for people with cystic fibrosis who expected to die in their 30s, but are now living into their 60s. —Christina Jewett, New York Times, 8 Feb. 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

Rhymes for genome

• biome
• megohm
• nichrome
• noisome
• prodrome
• radome
• rhizome
• shalom
• syndrome
• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb

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