genes

noun

UK /dʒiːnz/

US /dʒiːnz/

Tiny instructions inside your body that tell it how to grow and look.

You got your eye color from your parents' genes.

SYNONYMS

hereditary units genetic material DNA segments traits

RELATED WORDS

DNA chromosomes heredity genetics cells

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The basic units of heredity passed from parents to children.

Scientists study genes to understand inherited diseases.

3. Segments of DNA that carry coded information for making proteins.

Each gene holds the recipe for a specific protein.

4. In casual use, the qualities or tendencies a person inherits.

She has a gene for adventure from her grandfather.