polygene

noun

poly·​gene ˈpä-lē-ˌjēn How to pronounce polygene (audio)
: any of a group of nonallelic genes that collectively control the inheritance of a quantitative character or modify the expression of a qualitative character

Word History

Etymology

poly- + gene, after polygenic

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polygene was in 1941

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Polygene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polygene. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

polygene

noun
poly·​gene ˈpäl-i-ˌjēn How to pronounce polygene (audio)
: any of a group of nonallelic genes that collectively control the inheritance of a quantitative character or modify the expression of a qualitative character

called also multiple factor

see quantitative inheritance

More from Merriam-Webster on polygene

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!