genotype

1 of 2

noun

ge·​no·​type ˈjē-nə-ˌtīp How to pronounce genotype (audio) ˈje- How to pronounce genotype (audio)
1
[ISV gen-] : type species
2
[ISV gene] : all or part of the genetic constitution of an individual or group compare phenotype entry 1 sense 1
genotypic adjective
or less commonly genotypical
genotypic analysis
genotypically adverb
genotypically similar strains

genotype

2 of 2

verb

genotyped; genotyping; genotypes

transitive verb

: to determine all or part of the genetic constitution of
Because many Icelanders have now been genotyped, meaning their DNA has been analyzed at many sites spaced across the genome, the Decode researchers were able to pick a set of 40 sites where the DNA variations were diagnostic of geographic origin.Nicholas Wade
Genotyping of multiple B. pseudomallei colonies from several tissue sites from four patients … showed substantial genetic diversity within a single patient …W. Joost Wiersinga
genotyping noun

Examples of genotype in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
These are found in red cell genotypes that protect against malaria-like, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, and others, according to a study published in Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 Researchers traditionally thought that the evolutionary arms race between snake venoms and their prey’s resistance would push venom genes to become more refined over time, in favor of a specific lethal genotype—a process known as directional selection. Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Combining the individuals with promising genotypes and favorable phenotypes across the population gives kākāpō the best chance of continuing to produce viable offspring. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2023 Determination of the geographical origin of unidentified cadavers based on geographical differences in genotype of varicella-zoster virus. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2015 But many of the paths — routes by which, one mutation at a time, organisms could change their genotypes — reached fairly high points. Quanta Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023 The team is also using the phenotype and genotype data to determine how to grow plants without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. IEEE Spectrum, 26 Apr. 2022 These first landscapes comprised only about 20 to 40 or so genotypes. Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 15 Aug. 2023 Are all genotypes with one phenotype in one corner of that space? Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 15 Aug. 2023
Verb
Using genotyping to determine genetic differences, the researchers began to see patterns emerge. Linda Marsa, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2019 This approach, known as genotyping, can still provide accurate health insights—consumers can typically choose whether or not to include specific mutations, such as the cancer-causing mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, in their DNA report. WIRED, 21 Sep. 2023 The participants were also not genotyped to determine if there was a predetermined risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 28 July 2023 Although Eli Lilly did not disclose any participant data related to genotyping or use of blood thinners, outside scientists are eager to see such data to evaluate the drug’s risks. Byjohn Travis, science.org, 3 May 2023 Again, thanks to the people who contributed to genotype the second person. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2012

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'genotype.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of genotype was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near genotype

Cite this Entry

“Genotype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genotype. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

genotype

noun
ge·​no·​type ˈjē-nə-ˌtīp How to pronounce genotype (audio) ˈjen-ə- How to pronounce genotype (audio)
: the whole set of genes of an individual or group
genotypic adjective

Medical Definition

genotype

1 of 2 noun
ge·​no·​type ˈjē-nə-ˌtīp How to pronounce genotype (audio) ˈjen-ə- How to pronounce genotype (audio)
1
2
: all or part of the genetic constitution of an individual or group compare phenotype
genotypic adjective
also genotypical
genotypically adverb

genotype

2 of 2 transitive verb
genotyped; genotyping
: to determine the genotype of
DNA samples from the participants were genotyped for two common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region of the vitamin D–binding protein gene …Camille E. Powe et al., The New England Journal of Medicine

More from Merriam-Webster on genotype

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