plural genes
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
Examples of gene in a Sentence
She inherited a good set of genes from her parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ultimately, the researchers found that PM 2.5 exposure can affect histone patterns in pregnant individuals in a way that disrupts cytokine genes and causes increased inflammation in both parent and child.
—
Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 29 Nov. 2024
Although the scientists studied gene expression in those samples rather than epigenetic markers, the results were consistent with the post-weight loss mice.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024
By comparing the gene trees to the species trees, the researchers estimated rates of horizontal gene transfer, gene loss and other evolutionary processes that could muck up the picture.
—Jonathan Lambert, Quanta Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024
Releasing in theaters on November 8 and on Netflix on November 22, filmmaking is apparently an intrinsic gene within the DNA of the Washington family.
—Malik William, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gene 
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Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 29 Nov. 2024
Although the scientists studied gene expression in those samples rather than epigenetic markers, the results were consistent with the post-weight loss mice.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024
By comparing the gene trees to the species trees, the researchers estimated rates of horizontal gene transfer, gene loss and other evolutionary processes that could muck up the picture.
—Jonathan Lambert, Quanta Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024
Releasing in theaters on November 8 and on Netflix on November 22, filmmaking is apparently an intrinsic gene within the DNA of the Washington family.
—Malik William, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gene
Dictionary Entries Near gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gene
noun
: a part of DNA or sometimes RNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that contains chemical information needed to make a particular protein (as an enzyme) controlling or influencing an inherited bodily trait or activity (as eye color or metabolism) or that influences or controls the activity of another gene or genes
Medical Definition
gene
noun
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
called also determinant, determiner, factor
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