ENGLISH
REFERENCE

genome

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈdʒiˌnoʊm// UK //dʒˈiːnəʊm// genome

n. the complete set of genetic instructions needed to build and operate a living thing. You can think of it as the master blueprint found inside every cell of an organism.

n. the entire set of genetic material, including all genes and non-coding sequences, contained within a cell or organism.


SIMPLE

Scientists mapped the human genome to understand our DNA better.

CONTEXTUAL

By sequencing the plant's genome, researchers identified the specific genes responsible for its resistance to drought.

COMPLEX

Advances in high-throughput sequencing have allowed biologists to compare the genomes of different species, revealing deep evolutionary connections that were previously hidden from view.

Origin

From earlier genom, from German Genom, coined by German botanist Hans Winkler in 1920 as a blend of Gen (“gene”) + Chromosom (“chromosome”). By surface analysis, gen(e) + -ome, or a blend of gen(e) + (chromos)ome. Spelling altered to reflect the surface analysis.

Usage

Often used with the definite article ('the genome') when referring to a species as a whole.

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