gene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral (common in everyday, academic, and technical contexts)
Quick answer
What does “gene” mean?
The basic unit of heredity in a living organism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The basic unit of heredity in a living organism; a sequence of DNA or RNA that codes for a molecule (usually a protein) and determines a specific characteristic.
In broader or metaphorical use, it can refer to the fundamental source or determinant of a non-biological characteristic (e.g., a cultural trait, a behavior).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Minor potential spelling differences in derived terms (e.g., 'genetic' is same in both).
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “gene” in a Sentence
the gene for [trait/disease]a gene that [codes for/controls] Xto have/inherit/carry the genea mutation in a/the geneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gene” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – 'gene' is not standardly used as a verb. Derived verb is 'genetically engineer'.
American English
- N/A – 'gene' is not standardly used as a verb. Derived verb is 'genetically modify'.
adverb
British English
- N/A – No standard adverb form from 'gene'. 'Genetically' is the related adverb.
American English
- N/A – No standard adverb form from 'gene'. 'Genetically' is the related adverb.
adjective
British English
- The gene-editing technique is highly precise.
- They studied the gene-activation process.
American English
- The gene therapy trial showed promising results.
- We analyzed the gene-silencing mechanism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in biotech, pharmaceutical, and agricultural business contexts (e.g., 'gene patent', 'gene-based drug').
Academic
Central term in biology, genetics, medicine, and related life sciences.
Everyday
Common in discussions about health, heredity, family traits, and news about scientific discoveries.
Technical
Precise usage in genetics referring to a specific nucleotide sequence with a functional role.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gene”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gene”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gene”
- Using 'gene' to refer to an entire chromosome. Confusing 'gene' (the instruction) with 'protein' (the product). Misspelling as 'jean' (the clothing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is derived from the Greek word 'genos' (race, kind) and was coined from the term 'pangenesis' by Danish botanist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909.
A gene is the basic unit of heredity for a specific trait (e.g., gene for flower colour). An allele is one of the possible variants of that gene (e.g., the allele for purple flowers vs. the allele for white flowers).
In everyday language, yes (e.g., 'have a gene for tallness'). Technically, all humans have the same basic set of genes; what differs are the specific alleles (variants) of those genes we possess.
Yes, metaphorically. People speak of the 'gene' of a cultural movement or a 'gene' for successful business practices, meaning a fundamental, replicating idea or principle.
The basic unit of heredity in a living organism.
Gene is usually neutral (common in everyday, academic, and technical contexts) in register.
Gene: in British English it is pronounced /dʒiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /dʒiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the genes (informal: a characteristic inherited from one's family)”
- “gene genie (slang, rare: reference to genetic engineering)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of JEANs (sounds like 'gene') being passed down in a family – a gene is a trait passed down in your family.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A CODE (gene as a 'code' or 'blueprint' for life); HEREDITY IS A LEGACY (genes as an 'inheritance' from ancestors).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a gene?