oncogene
[ ong-kuh-jeen ]
/ ˈɒŋ kəˌdʒin /
noun Genetics.
any gene that is a causative factor in the initiation of cancerous growth.
Nearby words
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for oncogene
oncogene
/ (ˈɒŋkəʊˌdʒiːn) /
noun
any of several genes, first identified in viruses but present in all cells, that when abnormally activated can cause cancer
Word Origin for oncogene
C20 from Gk onkos mass, tumour + gene
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medicine definitions for oncogene
oncogene
[ ŏng′kə-jēn ]
n.
A gene that causes the transformation of normal cells into cancerous tumor cells, especially a viral gene that transforms a host cell into a tumor cell.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for oncogene
oncogene
[ ŏn′kə-jēn ]
A gene that causes normal cells to become cancerous either because the gene is mutated or because the gene is expressed at the wrong time in development. See Note at cancer.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Culture definitions for oncogene
Note
Every cell contains genes that, when altered slightly, can become oncogenes.
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.