genome
JEE-nohm
Genome (noun) means the complete set of genetic material of an organism. Example: “Scientists successfully mapped the human genome in 2003.”
noun
1
The complete set of genetic material of an organism.
"Scientists successfully mapped the human genome in 2003."
"Researchers compared the genomes of two related species."
"Each cell in your body carries a copy of your genome."
How to use genome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAll of an organism's DNA (or RNA) put together.
Common pairings
human genome
sequence a genome
genome mapping
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Word forms
- Plural
- genomes
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Scientists successfully mapped the human _____ in 2003.
Etymology
Coined in German in 1920 by botanist Hans Winkler, blending Gen ("gene") with Chromosom ("chromosome").
Class of 1920
genome joined the language around 1920.
See the full Class of 1920 →
Synonyms
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genetic code
genetic blueprint
dna sequence
hereditary material
Related words
Rhymes for genome
See all rhymes for genome →Frequently asked questions
What does “genome” mean?
The word “genome” means the complete set of genetic material of an organism. In plain terms, all of an organism's DNA (or RNA) put together.
How do you pronounce “genome”?
“Genome” is pronounced JEE-nohm (/ˈd͡ʒiː.noʊm/ in IPA).
How do you use “genome” in a sentence?
Here is “genome” used in a sentence: “Scientists successfully mapped the human genome in 2003.”
What part of speech is “genome”?
“Genome” is a noun.
Where does the word “genome” come from?
The word “genome” dates back to around 1920 and comes from German. Coined in German in 1920 by botanist Hans Winkler, blending Gen ("gene") with Chromosom ("chromosome").
Is “genome” a common word?
“Genome” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between a genome and a gene?
A genome is the complete set of genetic material of an organism, while a gene is just one specific segment within that larger set, typically responsible for a particular trait or function.
What is the difference between a genome and DNA?
DNA is the chemical molecule that carries genetic instructions, while a genome is the complete collection of that genetic material within an organism. In other words, DNA is the substance, and the genome is the full set of information encoded in it.
What does it mean to "sequence" a genome?
Sequencing a genome means determining the exact order of the genetic material that makes up an organism's complete set of genetic information, effectively reading out its full genome.
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