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genetic engineering
noun
: the group of applied techniques of genetics and biotechnology used to cut up and join together genetic material and especially DNA from one or more species of organism and to introduce the result into an organism in order to change one or more of its characteristics
genetically engineered
adjective
genetic engineer
noun
Examples of genetic engineering in a Sentence
The crops were made resistant to disease by genetic engineering.
Recent Examples on the Web
Life 4 key questions to challenge your views on genetic engineering
New research shows how Americans feel about genetic engineering, human enhancement and automation.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
Through feats of genetic engineering, a gene is taken from one organism and placed into another.
—Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2024
Dana Taylor: Are there other applications for CRISPR and genetic engineering beyond just medicinal uses that could be impactful to society?
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 20 June 2024
In the 2009 sci-fi film, Clive (Brody) and Elsa (Sarah Polley) are two scientists who experiment with genetic engineering to find health care and medical breakthroughs.
—Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for genetic engineering
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'genetic engineering.' 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
1951, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of genetic engineering was
in 1951
Dictionary Entries Near genetic engineering
Cite this Entry
“Genetic engineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetic%20engineering. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
genetic engineering
noun
: the alteration of genetic material and especially the cutting up and joining together of DNA from one or more species for introduction into a living thing in order to change one or more of its characteristics
genetically engineered
adjective
genetic engineer
noun
Medical Definition
genetic engineering
noun
: the modification of an organism's genetic material that involves using applied techniques of genetics and biotechnology to alter or delete a DNA segment or to insert a new DNA segment from a different species in order to express (see express sense 3) a desired trait or traits : genetic modification
Since genetic engineering offers the possibility of altering the amino acid sequence of the expressed protein by adding or substituting codons, it is possible to generate alternative sequences with tunable properties that can be used as promising biomaterials for medical applications.—Sílvia Gomes et al., Progress in Polymer Science
genetically engineered
adjective
… vaccination with genetically engineered hypoallergenic allergen derivatives has the potential to reduce the pathological IgE response underlying allergic disease and, hence, may prevent the progression of disease.
—V. Niederberger et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
genetic engineer
noun
Recent experiments have been used to "edit" genomes of various plant, animal and other species, including humans, with unprecedented precision. … These experiments represent advances along a spectrum of technological abilities that genetic engineers have been working on since the advent of recombinant DNA techniques.
—Pamela L. Sankar and Mildred K. Cho, The American Journal of Bioethics
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