noun

allele

AL-eel

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Allele (noun) means one of the alternative forms a gene can take at a particular place on a chromosome. Example: “The plant inherited one allele for tallness from each parent.”

noun

technical One of the alternative forms a gene can take at a particular place on a chromosome.

"The plant inherited one allele for tallness from each parent."

"Some alleles are dominant, so they mask the effect of the other allele present."

"Scientists compared alleles at that locus across the two populations."

How to use allele

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOne version of a gene, out of the possible versions at that spot on a chromosome.

When to use it

Allele is a specialist term from genetics rather than everyday vocabulary.

Memory tip

Think of a gene as a slot and an allele as one of the possible fillers for that slot.

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Common pairings

dominant allele recessive allele carry an allele allele frequency inherit an allele

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The plant inherited one _____ for tallness from each parent.

Etymology

English borrowed allele from the German word Allel, a shortened form of German Allelomorph. That German term itself came from the English word allelomorph, which traces back to the Ancient Greek term for each other, built on the word for other.

Origin: German

Synonyms

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allelomorph

Rhymes for allele

ele tele Pele Lele stele Adele Steele ukulele Michele Daniele Gabriele Raffaele

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Frequently asked questions

What is an allele in genetics?

An allele is one particular version of a gene, found at the same position on a chromosome as the gene's other possible versions.

What is the difference between a gene and an allele?

A gene is the unit that codes for a trait, while an allele is one specific variant of that gene. A single gene can have several different alleles.

Can a gene have more than one allele?

Yes, a gene can exist as several alternative alleles, and an individual usually carries two of them, one from each parent.

What is the meaning of allele?

"allele" (noun) means one of the alternative forms a gene can take at a particular place on a chromosome.