plural genes
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
Examples of gene in a Sentence
She inherited a good set of genes from her parents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Groups that showed greater lifetime risks (between 44 and 59 percent after age 55) were Black adults, women and people who carried the allele e4: this variation of the gene which codes for the protein apolipoprotein E, increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2025
Between 45 percent and 60 percent of people have versions of the APOE4 gene that could increase the risk of dementia significantly.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Older adults with two copies of the gene had a 59% risk of developing dementia in their older age, compared with 48% of those with one copy and 39% of those with no copies of the gene, the new study found.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
Along with the genes, however, Lewis has a competitive spirit and a work ethic that exceeds her peers, training three hours a day in the weight room and on the court.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
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Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2025
Between 45 percent and 60 percent of people have versions of the APOE4 gene that could increase the risk of dementia significantly.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Older adults with two copies of the gene had a 59% risk of developing dementia in their older age, compared with 48% of those with one copy and 39% of those with no copies of the gene, the new study found.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
Along with the genes, however, Lewis has a competitive spirit and a work ethic that exceeds her peers, training three hours a day in the weight room and on the court.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for gene
Dictionary Entries Near gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gene
noun
: a part of DNA or sometimes RNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that contains chemical information needed to make a particular protein (as an enzyme) controlling or influencing an inherited bodily trait or activity (as eye color or metabolism) or that influences or controls the activity of another gene or genes
Medical Definition
gene
noun
: a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is located usually on a chromosome and that is the functional unit of inheritance controlling the transmission and expression of one or more traits by specifying the structure of a particular polypeptide and especially a protein or controlling the function of other genetic material
called also determinant, determiner, factor
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