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gène

gene

noun ZHEN Rare

Origin: German Gen, coined from Greek genos ('birth, race')

Usage Note

Gène (with a grave accent) is the biology term for a gene. It should not be confused with gêne (with a circumflex, meaning 'embarrassment' or 'discomfort') — the accent difference is crucial. The related adjective is génétique and the field is la génétique.

Examples

"Ce gène est responsable de la couleur des yeux."

Natural Translation

This gene is responsible for eye colour.

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