GMO
Americanabbreviation
abbreviation
Usage
What is a GMO? GMO is an abbreviation for genetically modified organism. A GMO is any living thing that has had its genetics altered through genetic engineering. Typically, a GMO is created by first inserting a gene into the DNA of a single cell of an organism. Next, the scientist will stimulate the growth of this cell so that it quickly replicates. Eventually, the cell will replicate to such a point that all of the organism’s cells contain the modified gene that was originally inserted. A GMO can be any living thing, from a bacteria to a cow. The GMOs that most people are familiar with are genetically modified crops. Farmers will grow corn or other crops that have been modified to be resistant to chemicals like herbicides or have been modified to repel insects. GMOs can be appealing to farmers because they are easier to grow and can lower farmers’ costs. Besides plants, organisms such as bacteria and farm animals have been turned into GMOs. Bacteria have been modified to produce helpful chemicals such as insulin, and farm animals have had their genes modified to protect them from deadly diseases that would endanger large groups of animals.
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A high percentage of food crops, such as corn and soybeans, are genetically modified.
Etymology
Origin of GMO
First recorded in 1985–90
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.
Regardless, there is strong statistical support for this outcome, according to research conducted by the investment advisory firm GMO.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 22, 2026
Find insight on GMO Payment Gateway, Thai banks, Tokio Marine and more in the latest Market Talks covering financial services.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 25, 2026
For a start, the Chinese-made robots will be deployed to load and unload cargo containers, JAL and GMO AI & Robotics, its partner in the project, said in a demonstration to the media on Monday.
From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026
The realistic run from discovery to commercial production of the GMO tree?
From Slate ● Apr. 20, 2026
These new GMO seeds could be a bonanza for the seed companies.
From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
