Gene — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈjēn/

Meaning & Definition of Gene

Gene (noun)

  1. 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

Word Forms of Gene

Inflections: genes

Origin & Etymology of Gene

German Gen, short for Pangen, from pan- + -gen

First known use: 1909

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Gene

Words & Phrases Containing Gene

gene conversion, gene editing, gene flow, gene frequency, gene mutation, gene pool, gene-splicing, gene therapy

Frequently Asked Questions about Gene

What does "Gene" mean?

"Gene" means 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. As a noun, it is defined as: 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.

Is "Gene" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Gene" is a noun.

Is "Gene" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Gene" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Gene"?

"Gene" is pronounced /ˈjēn/.

What is the origin of the word "Gene"?

"Gene" comes from German Gen, short for Pangen, from pan- + -gen. First known use: 1909.

What CEFR level is "Gene"?

"Gene" is a B2-level word in SophDict's CEFR vocabulary lists, which group English words from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).

What topics is "Gene" used in?

"Gene" is commonly used in topics such as Science & Research.

What are the forms of "Gene"?

The word forms of "Gene" include genes.