“gene transfer”

The following 2 entries include the term gene transfer.

horizontal gene transfer

noun

: the transmission of genetic material between genomes and often between genomes of different species

See the full definition

lateral gene transfer

noun

: horizontal gene transfer

See the full definition

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of inimitable

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name That Flower

  • any of a genus helianthus especially h annuus of new world composite plants with large yellow rayed flower heads bearing edible seeds that yield an edible oil
Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Pick the best words!

PLAY
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
white rubber duck stands out in a row of yellow ducks
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.