recombination

noun

re·​com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce recombination (audio)
: the formation by the processes of crossing-over and independent assortment of new combinations of genes in progeny that did not occur in the parents
recombinational adjective

Examples of recombination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The list of combinations and recombinations of these traits goes on and on. Outside Online, 31 July 2024 The virus is constantly changing due to various natural mechanisms such as mutations, recombinations, and/or re-assortments that are native to the virus lifecycle. Kansas City Star, 29 May 2024 Bakish has been president and CEO of Paramount Global since it was formed through the recombination of Viacom and CBS in 2019. Todd Spangler, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024 The relation of recombination to mutational advance Evolution. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for recombination 

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of recombination was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near recombination

Cite this Entry

“Recombination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recombination. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

recombination

noun
re·​com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce recombination (audio)
: the formation of new combinations of genes

Medical Definition

recombination

noun
re·​com·​bi·​na·​tion ˌrē-ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce recombination (audio)
: the formation by the processes of crossing-over and independent assortment of new combinations of genes in progeny that did not occur in the parents
recombinational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on recombination

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!