First Known Use: 1928
Dictionary
allele
noun al·lele \ə-ˈlēl\
Definition of ALLELE
1
: any of the alternative forms of a gene that may occur at a given locus
2
: either of a pair of alternative Mendelian characters (as smooth and wrinkled seed in the pea)
— al·le·lic \-ˈlē-lik, -ˈle-\ adjective
— al·lel·ism \-ˈlē-ˌli-zəm, -ˈle-\ noun
See allele defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ALLELE
German Allel, short for Allelomorph
Medical Dictionary
allele
noun al·lele \ə-ˈlē(ə)l\
Medical Definition of ALLELE
1
: any of the alternative forms of a gene that may occur at a given locus
2
: either of a pair of alternative Mendelian characters (as ability versus inability to taste the chemical phenylthiocarbamide)
—al·le·lic \-ˈlē-lik, -ˈlel-ik\ adjective
—al·lel·ism \-ˈlē(ə)l-ˌiz-əm, -ˈlel-ˌiz-\ noun
Learn More About ALLELE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: allelo-Previous Word in the Dictionary: allegro formAll Words Near: allele
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up allele? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).