English Reference
Noun

recombination

n.
C1 Advanced US /ɹiˌkɑmbɪˈneɪʃən/ UK /ɹˌiːkˌɒmbɪnˈeɪʃən/ re·com·bi·na·tion UK spelling recombinations Chemistry

n.the process where different parts of a molecule or a set of genes are joined together to form a new combination. This often happens in nature to create new varieties of plants or animals.

n.the process of combining different components or genetic sequences to form a new entity. In chemistry, it refers to the formation of a new molecule by the union of two or more atoms or radicals.


SIMPLE

The recombination of genetic material leads to new traits in offspring.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists observed the recombination of the virus's proteins, which allowed it to adapt to a new host.

COMPLEX

The successful recombination of the synthetic DNA fragments required precise temperature control and specific enzymes to ensure the correct sequence was assembled without errors.

The findings suggest that genetic recombination events in sperm happen in two stages, both before and after cell division.

Phys.org· 26 Aug 2026

These interactions are essential for processes including genetic recombination and gene silencing, and they can also play a role in cancer.

ScienceDaily· 10 Sept 2026

From re- + combination.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated