gene pool

noun

1. the total genetic information in the gametes of all the individuals in a population.

gene pool

noun

1. the sum of all the genes in an interbreeding population

gene pool

1. The collective genetic information contained within a population of sexually reproducing organisms.

gene pool

1. The total number of genes available in a given species.

Loosely speaking, the gene pool represents the total breeding stock available to the species.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gene pool¹

First recorded in 1945–50