recombination

noun

re·​com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən 

: the formation by the processes of crossing-over and independent assortment of new combinations of genes in progeny that did not occur in the parents

recombinational

ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of recombination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The refraction and recombination of light is dependent on the crystal structure of the mineral and the orientation of the minerals. —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2025

Others practice deliberate recombination, taking elements from multiple real-life incidents and shuffling them like cards until a new pattern emerges. —Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025

In addition, knots have many applications, ranging from string theory in physics to DNA recombination in biology to chirality in chemistry. —John Etnyre, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2025

In the case of the X and Y chromosomes in mammals, suppression of recombination has been hypothesized to cause progressive loss of gene function and even the loss of entire genes. —Donna L. Maney, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for recombination

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

recombination

noun

re·​com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən 

: the formation of new combinations of genes

Medical Definition

recombination

noun

re·​com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən 

: the formation by the processes of crossing-over and independent assortment of new combinations of genes in progeny that did not occur in the parents

recombinational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective