recombine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “recombine” mean?
To join or combine separate things or elements together again, after they have been separated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To join or combine separate things or elements together again, after they have been separated.
To form a new combination by bringing together existing components in a different arrangement, especially in scientific contexts like genetics, physics, or chemistry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling differences follow general rules (e.g., UK 'recombine' vs. US 'recombine' - no change).
Connotations
Equally technical and formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger volume of scientific literature, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “recombine” in a Sentence
[NP] recombine[NP1] recombine with [NP2][NP] be recombined (into/with something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “recombine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The research team will recombine the genetic material in the lab.
- After the split, the committees were later recombined into a single group.
American English
- Scientists recombined the DNA strands to create a new sequence.
- The merger allowed the companies to recombine their assets.
adverb
British English
- None standard. 'Recombinantly' exists in specialist genetics jargon only.
American English
- None standard. 'Recombinantly' exists in specialist genetics jargon only.
adjective
British English
- The recombined DNA sample was ready for analysis.
- A recombined version of the team proved more effective.
American English
- They studied the properties of the recombined molecules.
- The recombined dataset yielded new insights.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically, e.g., 'After the spin-off, the departments will recombine in a new corporate structure.'
Academic
Very common, especially in life sciences (genetics), physical sciences, and computer science (recombination algorithms).
Everyday
Rare. Might be used literally, e.g., 'I had to recombine the ingredients after the mixture separated.'
Technical
Primary context. Refers to genetic recombination, plasma recombination in physics, or chemical recombination.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “recombine”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “recombine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “recombine”
- Using it intransitively without a clear scientific context (e.g., 'We recombined' sounds odd). Better: 'The elements recombined.'
- Confusing it with 'reconnect' (for relationships or networks).
- Misspelling as 're-combine' (hyphen is archaic/rare).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Combine' means to join things together for the first time. 'Recombine' implies they were once together, were separated, and are now being joined again, or are forming a new combination from existing parts.
It's rare in casual talk. It's a formal, often technical word. In everyday situations, words like 'mix again', 'put back together', or 'reunite' are more natural.
The most common noun is 'recombination'. For example, 'genetic recombination' is a fundamental biological process.
Not necessarily. It often means forming a new combination or arrangement from the same elements. In genetics, recombination creates novel sequences.
To join or combine separate things or elements together again, after they have been separated.
Recombine is usually formal, technical in register.
Recombine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːkəmˈbaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrikəmˈbaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a broken magnet (COMBO). To RECOMBINE it is to RE-form the magnetic COMBO.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNITING BROKEN PARTS; CREATING A NEW WHOLE FROM OLD PIECES.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'recombine' used MOST precisely and frequently?