gene
gb/d͡ʒˈin/ us/d͡ʒˈin/
B2
English
~ 2200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
technical
B2
entity
1
Basic unit of heredity in DNA
A part of DNA that controls a trait, like eye color or height.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has a gene for [trait]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'gene' with 'genome' — 'gene' is one part, while 'genome' is the whole set of genes.
Synonyms
genetic sequence (More general scientific term for a specific arrangement of DNA bases; less commonly used in everyday language.)
Antonyms
environmental factor (Opposite in the sense of being a non-genetic influence on traits or health.)
Collocations
genetic gene
|mutated gene
|dominant gene
|recessive gene
|gene expression
Themes
science
|biology
|genetics
|health
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Scientists discovered a gene linked to the disease.
- Eye color is influenced by several genes.
- She inherited the gene for curly hair from her mother.
- The mutation occurs in a single gene.
- Researchers are studying how this gene affects brain function.
Learner examples
- We all get our genes from our parents.
- This gene makes flowers red.
- That gene can cause illness.
- He has a gene for tall height.
- Genes decide many things about us.
Grammar
Dictionary form
gene
IPA
GB/d͡ʒˈin/
US/d͡ʒˈin/
Syllables & stress
gene (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (gene)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: gene
- Plural: genes
Word family
Expressions
good genes
1/ɡˈʊd d͡ʒˈinz/
fixed phrase
informal
Having attractive or healthy inherited traits
When someone looks good or is healthy because of their family DNA.
Examples
- She looks young for her age — must be good genes.
- He can eat anything and stay slim — good genes.
in your genes
1/ˈɪn jˈʊɹ d͡ʒˈinz/
fixed phrase
Trait inherited genetically
Something you are born with because of your family's DNA.
Examples
- Artistic talent seems to be in her genes.
- His love for the sea is in his genes.