polygene

noun

poly·​gene ˈpä-lē-ˌjēn How to pronounce polygene (audio)
: any of a group of nonallelic genes that collectively control the inheritance of a quantitative character or modify the expression of a qualitative character

Word History

Etymology

poly- + gene, after polygenic

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polygene was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near polygene

Cite this Entry

“Polygene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polygene. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

polygene

noun
poly·​gene ˈpäl-i-ˌjēn How to pronounce polygene (audio)
: any of a group of nonallelic genes that collectively control the inheritance of a quantitative character or modify the expression of a qualitative character

called also multiple factor

see quantitative inheritance

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