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definitions

genetic drift

noun

random changes in the frequency of alleles in a gene pool, usually of small populations.

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Nearby words

  1. genetic counseling,
  2. genetic counselling,
  3. genetic disease,
  4. genetic disorder,
  5. genetic dominant,
  6. genetic engineering,
  7. genetic fallacy,
  8. genetic female,
  9. genetic fingerprint,
  10. genetic fingerprinting
Compare gene flow.

Origin of genetic drift

First recorded in 1955–60
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Medicine definitions for genetic drift

genetic drift

n.

Random fluctuations in the frequency of the appearance of a gene in a small isolated population, presumably owing to chance rather than natural selection.drift
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for genetic drift

genetic drift

Variation in the frequency of a gene in a small isolated population, thought to be due to random chance rather than natural selection.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for genetic drift

genetic drift

A term that describes the random fluctuations in a gene pool over time. In large populations, the effects of genetic drift are negligible. (Compare natural selection.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.