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genome

American  
[jee-nohm] / ˈdʒi noʊm /
Also genom

noun

Genetics.
  1. a full set of chromosomes; all the inheritable traits of an organism.


genome British  
/ ˈdʒiːnəʊm, dʒɪˈnɒmɪk /

noun

  1. the full complement of genetic material within an organism

  2. all the genes comprising a haploid set of chromosomes

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

genome Scientific  
/ jēnōm /
  1. The total amount of genetic information in the chromosomes of an organism, including its genes and DNA sequences. The genome of eukaryotes is made up of a single, haploid set of chromosomes that is contained in the nucleus of every cell and exists in two copies in all cells except reproductive and red blood cells. The human genome is made up of about 20,000 to 25,000 genes.

  2. Compare proteome


genome Cultural  
  1. The sum of all information contained in the DNA for any living thing. The sequence of all the nucleotides in all the chromosomes of an organism.


Other Word Forms

  • genomic adjective

Etymology

Origin of genome

First recorded in 1925–30; from German Genom, from Gen gene + (Chromos)om chromosome

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This approach looks at how DNA is packaged inside each cell, revealing which regions of the genome are accessible and active, a key indicator of a cell's state and function.

From Science Daily

These viruses have compact genomes and rely on simple strategies to kill bacteria.

From Science Daily

In that traditional view, the genome remained largely unstructured until it "woke up" and initiated its genetic program.

From Science Daily

In 2010 scientists reconstructed the Neanderthal genome -- blockbuster research that allowed for analysis making clear that the species interbred.

From Barron's

When researchers compared the genomes of these ancient animals with modern breeds, they found the closest genetic match was the critically endangered Old Irish Goat still surviving today.

From Science Daily