gene editing

noun

variants or genome editing
: the use of biotechnological techniques to make changes to specific DNA sequences in the genome of a living organism
Fundamental research into the ways by which bacteria defend themselves against viruses has recently led to the development of powerful new techniques that make it possible to perform gene editing—that is, precisely altering genetic sequences—in living cells, including those of humans, at much higher accuracy and efficiency than ever before possible.David Baltimore et al.
The era of straightforward genome editing raises ethical questions that will need to be addressed by scientists and society at large.Jennifer A. Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier
often hyphenated when used before another noun
a gene-editing technique called CRISPR

Examples of gene editing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web From gene editing technologies like CRISPR to personalized treatments targeting specific cancers, the potential impact AI could have on human health is staggering. Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 By sequencing the fish’s genome and using CRISPR gene editing techniques, researchers were also able to identify the gene that’s responsible for their legs, tbx3a. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024 Used responsibly, gene editing holds the potential to save millions of lives and empower millions of people to lift themselves out of poverty. Foreign Affairs, 10 Apr. 2018 This was the first joint venture and major equity investment in gene editing by Corteva via Catalyst. Steven Savage, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gene editing 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gene editing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene editing was in 1990

Dictionary Entries Near gene editing

Cite this Entry

“Gene editing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20editing. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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