gene editing
noun
variants
or genome editing
: the use of biotechnological techniques to make changes to specific DNA sequences in the genome of a living organism
Fundamental research into the ways by which bacteria defend themselves against viruses has recently led to the development of powerful new techniques that make it possible to perform gene editing—that is, precisely altering genetic sequences—in living cells, including those of humans, at much higher accuracy and efficiency than ever before possible.—
David Baltimore et al.
David Baltimore et al.The era of straightforward genome editing raises ethical questions that will need to be addressed by scientists and society at large.—Jennifer A. Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier
—often hyphenated when used before another nounJennifer A. Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentiera gene-editing technique called CRISPR
Examples of gene editing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Though the technology is relatively new, Shapiro sees gene editing as akin to two of society’s oldest practices — animal domestication and agriculture.
—Mitchell Willetts, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
The authors concluded that gene editing could potentially contribute to a cure for oral and genital herpes, but more research is needed.
—Erica Sweeney, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
January 23, 2025 4 min read Could gene editing produce a tasty citrus fruit that doesn’t interfere with prescription drugs?
—Charlotte Hu, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
Still, the findings show the potential, at least in theory, to use gene editing to help solve currently existing environment dilemmas.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gene editing
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mitchell Willetts, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
The authors concluded that gene editing could potentially contribute to a cure for oral and genital herpes, but more research is needed.
—Erica Sweeney, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
January 23, 2025 4 min read Could gene editing produce a tasty citrus fruit that doesn’t interfere with prescription drugs?
—Charlotte Hu, Scientific American, 23 Jan. 2025
Still, the findings show the potential, at least in theory, to use gene editing to help solve currently existing environment dilemmas.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gene editing
Cite this Entry
“Gene editing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20editing. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share