introgression

noun

: the entry or introduction of a gene from one gene complex into another (as by hybridization)

Examples of introgression in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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More recently, preliminary work by Taylor’s team has helped reveal the genetics underlying some of the deficits other scientists have observed in hybrids: genes related to metabolism and cognition show especially low rates of introgression. Rebecca Heisman, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024 These hybrid zones are often quite stable over time, with insignificant introgression, or breeding back, to the parent populations. Richard Pallardy, Ars Technica, 30 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

intro- + -gression (as in regression)

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of introgression was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Introgression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introgression. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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