genetic engineering

American  

[juh-net-ik en-juh-neer-ing] / dʒəˈnɛt ɪk ˌɛn dʒəˈnɪər ɪŋ /

noun

Genetics.

1. the development and application of scientific methods, procedures, and technologies that permit direct manipulation of genetic material in order to alter the hereditary traits of a cell, organism, or population.

2. a technique that produces unlimited amounts of otherwise unavailable or scarce biological product by introducing DNA isolated from animals or plants into bacteria and then harvesting the product from a bacterial colony, as human insulin produced in bacteria by the human insulin gene.

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genetic engineering British  

noun

1. alteration of the DNA of a cell for purposes of research, as a means of manufacturing animal proteins, correcting genetic defects, or making improvements to plants and animals bred by man

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genetic engineering Scientific  

1. The science of altering and cloning genes to produce a new trait in an organism or to make a biological substance, such as a protein or hormone. Genetic engineering mainly involves the creation of recombinant DNA, which is then inserted into the genetic material of a cell or virus.

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genetic engineering Cultural  

1. The manipulation of DNA to produce new types of organisms, usually by inserting or deleting genes.

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Genetic engineering has been developed commercially, with uses such as producing human insulin or bacteria that will keep plants from freezing in a mild frost. It is also used to produce genetically modified organisms.

U.S. courts have ruled that the products of genetic engineering can be patented.

There is often controversy about the risk involved in releasing genetically engineered organisms into the environment.

Other Word Forms

• genetic engineer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of genetic engineering

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“Probably we’ll be a million species before long,” he said, suggesting that genetic engineering of human beings would enable colonization of the solar system.

From Slate • Dec. 9, 2025

If he thought his return to the laboratory would be a placid coda to his career, he was soon proved wrong, by yet another advance in genetic engineering, this one called CRISPR.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2025

His segment predicted a huge restoration of British woodlands thanks to genetic engineering and multi-storey agri facilities, leading to the return of animals including the brown bear.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2024

She also is developing Sonogenetics 2.0, which combines the advantage of ultrasound and genetic engineering to modulate defined neurons noninvasively and precisely in the brains of humans and animals.

From Science Daily • Jun. 17, 2024

What is necessary is a program of artificial selection and genetic engineering of dark plants—perhaps lichens—that could survive the much more severe Martian environment.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan