recombination: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “recombination” mean?
The process of combining things again, especially in a new or different arrangement.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of combining things again, especially in a new or different arrangement.
In genetics, the natural process by which genetic material (DNA) from different sources is rearranged to produce new gene combinations, often during reproduction. In physics/chemistry, the rejoining of separated particles or molecules.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; spelling remains the same.
Connotations
Equally technical in both varieties. Slight preference in British English for hyphen in derived forms ('re-combine') in older texts, but modern usage largely matches American.
Frequency
Equally common in scientific/technical contexts in both regions. Rare in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “recombination” in a Sentence
recombination of [NOUN PHRASE] (e.g., recombination of genes)recombination between [NOUN PHRASE] (e.g., recombination between chromosomes)[ADJECTIVE] recombination (e.g., homologous recombination)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “recombination” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The researchers aimed to recombine the DNA fragments in a novel plasmid.
- Old genres recombine to form new musical styles.
American English
- The software can recombine these data sets to find new patterns.
- Viruses frequently recombine their genetic material.
adjective
British English
- The recombinant protein was expressed successfully.
- They studied the recombinational hotspots.
American English
- Recombinant DNA technology is fundamental to bioengineering.
- The recombinational repair pathway was activated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could refer to corporate restructuring or merging divisions again.
Academic
Very common in Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Physics.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be understood only in a vague sense of 'mixing again'.
Technical
Primary domain. Precise meaning in genetics: the exchange of genetic material.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “recombination”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “recombination”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “recombination”
- Misspelling as 'recombinacion' (Spanish influence).
- Using as a verb ('They recombination the data' is wrong; correct verb is 'recombine').
- Confusing with 'recompensation' (which means repayment).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Mutation involves a change in the DNA sequence itself. Recombination involves rearranging existing DNA sequences into new combinations without necessarily altering the individual sequences.
Yes, but it's rare and formal. It can describe any process of combining things again in new ways (e.g., 'a recombination of musical styles'), though 'recombination' strongly evokes a technical feel.
The verb is 'to recombine'. 'Recombination' is the noun form describing the process or result of recombining.
It is neutral in scientific contexts. In genetics, it's a fundamental, neutral process. In broader use, connotation depends on context (e.g., positive for innovation, potentially negative if implying a lack of originality).
The process of combining things again, especially in a new or different arrangement.
Recombination is usually formal, technical in register.
Recombination: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːkɒmbɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /riˌkɑːmbɪˈneɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE- (again) + COMBINATION. It's a combination that happens again or creates new combinations from old parts.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENETIC RECOMBINATION IS A SHUFFLING OF CARDS (creating new hands from existing decks).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'recombination' most precisely and frequently used?