polygene

noun

poly·​gene ˈpä-lē-ˌjēn 

: any of a group of nonallelic genes that collectively control the inheritance of a quantitative character or modify the expression of a qualitative character

Word History

Etymology

poly- + gene, after polygenic

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

polygene

noun

poly·​gene ˈpäl-i-ˌjēn 

: any of a group of nonallelic genes that collectively control the inheritance of a quantitative character or modify the expression of a qualitative character

called also multiple factor

see quantitative inheritance