-gen

¹

Also -gene

1. a combining form meaning “that which produces,” used in the formation of compound words.

   endogen; hydrogen.

gen.

²

abbreviation

1. gender.

2. general.

3. genitive.

4. genus.

Gen.

³

abbreviation

1. Military.,  General.

2. Bible.,  Genesis.

3. Geneva.

-gen

¹

suffix

1. producing or that which produces

   hydrogen

2. something produced

   carcinogen

Gen.

²

abbreviation

1. General

2. Bible Genesis

gen

³

/ dʒɛn /

noun

1. informal,  information See also gen up

   give me the gen on your latest project

Word History and Origins

Origin of -gen¹

< French -gène ≪ Greek -genēs born, produced; akin to Latin genus, kin

Word History and Origins

Origin of -gen¹

via French -gène, from Greek -genēs born

Origin of -gen²

C20: from gen ( eral information )

Example Sentences

Gap’s Old Navy brand continues to draw value-focused shoppers, while its namesake brand attracts more high-income and Gen Z consumers, Chief Executive Richard Dickson said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A guide for Gen X, advice for online resources, the importance of social connections, and more.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Gen Z women participate in the workforce at higher rates than their male counterparts, and often accept jobs they’re overqualified for rather than not working.

Read more on Salon

Gen. Rob Bonta possibly entering the race.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The U.S. accuses other senior Venezuelan leaders in the alleged conspiracy, placing a $25 million bounty on Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and $15 million for Gen. Vladimir Padrino, Venezuela’s defense minister.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When To Use

What does -gen mean?

The combining form -gen is used like a suffix meaning “that which produces.” It is often used in scientific and technical terms, especially in chemistry and biology.The form -gen comes from Greek -genēs, meaning “born” or “produced.” The Latin translation and cognate of -genēs is nātus, meaning “born,” which is the source of natal, native, and nature. Find out how these terms derive from nātus at our entry for each word.What are variants of -gen?While the form -gen doesn't have any variants, it is related to the combining forms -genic, -geny, and -genous, as in heterogenic, heterogeny, and heterogenous. The form -gen is also closely related to the combining forms -genesis and -genetic as in carcinogenesis and autogenetic. Read our Words That Use articles for -genic, -geny, -genous, -genesis, and -genetic to learn more.