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gene frequency
noun
: the ratio of the number of a specified allele in a population to the total of all alleles at its genetic locus
Examples of gene frequency in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The gene frequency of blue eyes may have increased by chance, too, rather than natural selection.
—Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 16 Mar. 2014
Nielsen and Wei had been interested in using the UK Biobank data to investigate how patterns of gene frequencies were being shaped by the pressures of modern life.
—Megan Molteni, WIRED, 3 June 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gene frequency.' 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
1929, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near gene frequency
Cite this Entry
“Gene frequency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20frequency. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
gene frequency
noun
: the ratio of the number of a specified allele in a population to the total of all alleles at its genetic locus
More from Merriam-Webster on gene frequency
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gene frequency
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