warrior gene

American  

[wawr-ee-er jeen, wawr-yer, wor-ee-er, wor-yer] / ˈwɔr i ər ˌdʒin, ˈwɔr yər, ˈwɒr i ər, ˈwɒr yər /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a type A monoamine oxidase (MAOA) gene, in which the normal breakdown of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine is impaired, resulting in elevated levels of these brain chemicals, which have been linked to correspondingly elevated levels of aggressive behavior.

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Etymology

Origin of warrior gene

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

More broadly, it failed to relay the view of contemporary experts that the very idea of a “warrior gene” is based on obsolete science.

From Washington Post

It declined to dig into the research and warn other courts across the country about the speciousness of the warrior gene theory.

From Washington Post

Yepez had sought at trial to introduce evidence that he had what’s been called the “warrior gene” — a version of a gene known as MAOA, which has been linked to violence in some studies.

From Washington Post

We have identified at least 11 instances in which a defense team sought to introduce “warrior gene” evidence, either to argue for a “not guilty” verdict or to push for conviction for a lesser crime to mitigate punishment.

From Washington Post

The rise and fall of the science underlying the warrior gene defense occurred in less than two decades.

From Washington Post