recombination

[ ree-kom-buh-ney-shuhn ]

Genetics.

1. the formation of new combinations of genes, either naturally, by crossing over or independent assortment, or in the laboratory by direct manipulation of genetic material.

recombination

/ ˌriːkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. genetics any of several processes by which genetic material of different origins becomes combined. It most commonly occurs between two sets of parental chromosomes during production of germ cells
2. physics the union of free electrons and holes in a semiconductor or of free ions and electrons in a plasma

Word History and Origins

Origin of recombination¹

1820–30, for general sense; 1900–05 for current sense; re- + combination

Example Sentences

The rate of recombination depends upon the product of the number of each sign present in unit volume.

From Project Gutenberg

The ionic density is therefore high, and recombination very rapidly removes the ions after they are formed.

From Project Gutenberg

Much of the ionisation in gases is again undone by recombination before diffusion leads to the separation of the ions.

From Project Gutenberg

This "initial recombination" is greatest towards the end of the path of the ray where the ionisation is a maximum.

From Project Gutenberg

In the former, initial recombination may obscure the intense ionisation near the end of the range.

From Project Gutenberg