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

In evolution, genetic recombination allows organisms to adapt by mixing and matching DNA segments. —Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

This process of recombination is something AI excels at. —Gabriel Snyder, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025

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

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