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

Risk of recombination Questions have swirled about whether or not bird flu and seasonal influenza could form a recombinant virus, meaning a combination of the two. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 Nov. 2024

The list of combinations and recombinations of these traits goes on and on. —Outside Online, 31 July 2024

The virus is constantly changing due to various natural mechanisms such as mutations, recombinations, and/or re-assortments that are native to the virus lifecycle. —Kansas City Star, 29 May 2024

Bakish has been president and CEO of Paramount Global since it was formed through the recombination of Viacom and CBS in 2019. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

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