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allele

[C] Countable

pl: alleles

This term describes the specific variation of a genetic sequence. While a gene provides the general instruction for a trait, such as eye color, the allele is the specific version of that instruction, such as blue or brown. It is a technical term used almost exclusively in biological and medical contexts. Using this word implies a focus on the diversity within a population. It shifts the conversation from what a gene does in general to how specific individuals differ from one another based on their inherited genetic blueprints.

Countable when referring to the specific versions of a gene found in an organism, such as having two different alleles for a single trait.

💬Conversación Casual

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Sarah is on her third coffee break while David is trying to sound intellectual via Slack.

David Smith

Just read that my eye color is a recessive allele. Pretty wild, right?

Sarah

Cool. I'm currently drowning in those slide decks you sent over.

💡

David is attempting to share a 'fun fact' to seem interesting, while Sarah uses the phrasal verb 'drowning in' to express that she is overwhelmed by an excessive amount of work.

Meanings

Noun

[genetics]

One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.

"The plant possesses a dominant allele for purple flowers and a recessive allele for white flowers."

Last Updated: May 26, 2026•Report an Error