genetic code

noun

: the biochemical basis of heredity consisting of codons in DNA and RNA that determine the specific amino acid sequence in proteins and appear to be uniform for nearly all known forms of life

Examples of genetic code in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Typically, when a pathogen causes a death or quarantine, local public health authorities test the pathogen and share the genetic code sequencing so it can be analyzed and risk levels can be assessed by infectious disease experts internationally. — Renée Onque, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Instead of being stamped out as the outcome of material, genetic codes, each of us is actually a unique, spiritual creation of God, infinite Mind. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Sep. 2026

MFlusiva uses a small snippet of genetic code to train the body to recognize and fight the flu virus. — Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2026

Designed by Maynooth University (MU), the milestone shows that microscopic strands of genetic code can execute math once reserved for electronic microchips. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for genetic code

• photocathode
• photodiode
• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode

Kids Definition

genetic code

noun

: the chemical code that is the basis of genetic inheritance and consists of units of three linked chemical groups which specify particular kinds of amino acids used to make proteins or which start or stop the process of making proteins

Medical Definition

genetic code

noun

: the biochemical basis of heredity consisting of codons in DNA and RNA that determine the specific amino acid sequence in proteins and that appear to be uniform for all known forms of life

genetic coding noun