SRY gene

American

noun

Genetics.

a sex-determining gene on the Y chromosome in mammals that determines maleness and is essential for development of the testes.

Etymology

Origin of SRY gene

First recorded in 1990–95; abbreviation of s(ex-determining) r(egion) Y

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The IOC policy leans on scientific research that considers the presence of the SRY gene fixed for life and represents evidence that an athlete has experienced male sex development.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Khelif confirmed she has the SRY gene, located on the Y chromosome that indicates masculinity.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

If a human embryo has XY chromosomes the SRY gene leads to the formation of testes, which then produce hormones including testosterone that lead to male development - and can increase muscle mass and strength.

From BBC • Aug. 31, 2025

Remember, here’s where the SRY gene plays a role.

From Scientific American • Oct. 29, 2018

The SRY gene actively recruits other genes that begin to develop the testes, and suppresses genes that are important in female development.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023