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
Still, scientists have long known that inheriting a copy of a gene variant called APOE4 can elevate the chances of a diagnosis.
—
Lauryn Higgins, Health, 6 June 2024
Unlike other heroes whose superpowers are the result of lab accidents or secret experiments, the X-Men are mutants: humans born with a special gene that gives them their various abilities.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2024
This pain is powerful enough to alter not only our own genes, but, as researchers in the field of epigenetics have discovered, the genes of subsequent generations.
—Dr. James R. Doty, TIME, 7 May 2024
Kate, Oliver and Wyatt inherited their parents’ acting genes
Like their parents, Kate, Oliver and Wyatt have all had successful careers as actors.
—Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for gene 
Lauryn Higgins, Health, 6 June 2024
Unlike other heroes whose superpowers are the result of lab accidents or secret experiments, the X-Men are mutants: humans born with a special gene that gives them their various abilities.
—Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2024
This pain is powerful enough to alter not only our own genes, but, as researchers in the field of epigenetics have discovered, the genes of subsequent generations.
—Dr. James R. Doty, TIME, 7 May 2024
Kate, Oliver and Wyatt inherited their parents’ acting genes
Like their parents, Kate, Oliver and Wyatt have all had successful careers as actors.
—Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for gene
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near gene
Cite this Entry
“Gene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
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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