penetrance

[ pen-i-truh ns ]

/ ˈpɛn ɪ trəns /

noun Genetics.

the frequency, expressed as a percentage, with which a particular gene produces its effect in a group of organisms.Compare expressivity(def 2).

Words nearby penetrance

peneios, penelope, peneplain, penetrable, penetralia, penetrance, penetrant, penetrant gene, penetrate, penetrating, penetrating wound

Origin of penetrance

First recorded in 1635–45; penetr(ant) + -ance

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for penetrance

“These measures of penetrance are likely artificially high,” says University of Cardiff medical geneticist David Cooper.
The Genetic Heroes That Could Cure the Sick|Carrie Arnold|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If scientists identify 100 individuals with the same mutation, and 75 of them have disease, the penetrance is 75 percent.
The Genetic Heroes That Could Cure the Sick|Carrie Arnold|July 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for penetrance

penetrance

/ (ˈpɛnɪtrəns) /

noun

genetics the percentage frequency with which a gene exhibits its effect

Word Origin for penetrance

C20: from penetr (ant) + -ance, on the model of German penetranz

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

Medical definitions for penetrance

penetrance

[ pĕn′ĭ-trəns ]

n.

The frequency, under given environmental conditions, with which a specific genotype is expressed by those individuals that possess it, usually given as a percentage.