gene — a unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and determines some characteristics
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and determines some characteristics
Pronunciation (IPA): /dʒiːn/
Example Sentences
- My mom's 'shopping gene' is definitely dominant in our family tree!
- Scientists are studying genes to understand genetic diseases.
- I must have inherited the 'can't-wake-up-early' gene from both parents.
gene
NOUN[/dʒiːn/]
a unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and determines some characteristics
The gene for eye color was passed from parent to child.
Scientists discovered a gene linked to a rare characteristic.
A gene can't be seen, but its effects are passed between generations.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From German 'Gen,' coined by Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909, derived from Greek 'genesis' meaning 'origin' or 'generation.' The term was created to describe the fundamental unit of heredity.
Breakdown
Greek genos (origin, race, kind) → German Gen → English gene; no productive morphemes in the English form, it functions as a simple noun
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom's 'shopping gene' is definitely dominant in our family tree!”
“Scientists are studying genes to understand genetic diseases.”
“I must have inherited the 'can't-wake-up-early' gene from both parents.”
“Gene editing technology has advanced rapidly in recent years.”
📚Related Words
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