genetically modified organism

noun

plural genetically modified organisms

1

: a plant, animal, or microorganism whose DNA has been altered artificially through the insertion, deletion, or modification of one or more genes in order to express (see express entry 1 sense 4) or suppress (see suppress sense 6) a targeted trait or traits : an organism manipulated by genetic modification for the purpose of changing one or more phenotypic characteristics

Genetic engineering is one way to alter a rice plant's sensitivity to herbicides. This involves adding a gene for herbicide resistance from another organism. The resulting plant is termed a genetically modified organism … and any subsequent varieties developed from this plant that possess the introduced trait are GMOs as well.

—Timothy P. Croughan

The first release of genetically modified mosquitoes in the United States began this week in the Florida Keys—the culmination of a decade-long effort by local mosquito control authorities to see if a genetically modified organism is a viable alternative to spraying insecticides in the region.

—Sandee LaMotte

called also GMO

2

: something (such as a fruit) that is the product of an organism and especially a plant that has undergone genetic modification

It has been a pink pineapple summer in Omaha. The unusual blushing fruit—grown only in Costa Rica—has made its way to grocery stores. … It gets the pink color from lycopene, making the pineapple a genetically modified organism …

—Betsie Freeman

called also GMO

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

genetically modified organism

noun

1

: a plant, animal, or microorganism whose DNA has been altered artificially through the insertion, deletion, or modification of one or more genes in order to express (see express sense 3) or suppress (see suppress sense 3) a targeted trait or traits : an organism manipulated by genetic modification for the purpose of changing one or more phenotypic characteristics

The use of genetically modified organisms raises legitimate concerns about their survival and propagation in the environment, and about the dissemination of antibiotic selection markers or other genetic modifications to other microbes.

—Peter Lee, Bioengineered Bugs

… in 1978 Cohen and colleagues progressed to transfer an insulin synthesis gene into a plasmid of E. coli, with that producing the first genetically modified organism (GMO). By 1982 this protocol received full approval from national drug regulatory authorities, notably the US Food and Drug Administration, thereby enabling the economically viable mass production of human insulin …

—S. S. Rajakaruna and A. W. Taylor-Robinson, Journal of Applied Biotechnology & Bioengineering

called also GMO

2

: something that is the product of an organism that has undergone genetic modification

Bs2 tomatoes are transgenic tomatoes that have been engineered to contain the Bs2 gene from pepper. As such, they are considered a genetically modified (GM) food, or a genetically modified organism …

—S. F. Hutton et al., The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

called also GMO