First Known Use: 1919
Dictionary
morgan
noun mor·gan \ˈmȯr-gən\
Definition of MORGAN
1
: a unit of inferred distance between genes on a chromosome that is used in constructing genetic maps and is equal to the distance for which the frequency of crossing over between specific pairs of genes is 100 percent
2
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Origin of MORGAN
Thomas Hunt Morgan
Morgan
noun Mor·gan \ˈmȯr-gən\
Definition of MORGAN
: any of an American breed of light strong horses originated in Vermont from the progeny of one prepotent stallion of uncertain ancestry
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Origin of MORGAN
Justin Morgan †1798 American teacher
First Known Use: 1841
Morgan
biographical name Mor·gan \ˈmȯr-gən\
Morgan
biographical name
Definition of MORGAN
Sir Henry 1635–1688 Eng. buccaneer
Morgan
biographical name
Definition of MORGAN
John Hunt 1825–1864 Am. Confed. cavalry officer
Morgan
biographical name
Definition of MORGAN
J(ohn) P(ier*pont) \ˈpir-ˌpänt\ 1837–1913 Am. financier
Morgan
biographical name
Definition of MORGAN
J(ohn) P(ierpont) Jr. 1867–1943 son of prec. Am. financier
Morgan
biographical name
Definition of MORGAN
Thomas Hunt 1866–1945 Am. geneticist
Morgan
biographical name
Definition of MORGAN
William Wilson 1906–1994 Am. astron.
Medical Dictionary
morgan
noun mor·gan \ˈmȯr-gən\
Medical Definition of MORGAN
1
: a unit of inferred distance between genes on a chromosome that is used in constructing genetic maps and is equal to the distance for which the frequency of crossing-over is 100 percent
2
Biographical Note for MORGAN
Morgan, Thomas Hunt (1866–1945), American geneticist. Morgan spent much of his career as a professor of experimental biology at Columbia University. He became a pioneer in the developing science of genetics. In 1908 and 1909 he began a series of experiments first with mice and rats and then with fruit flies of the genus Drosophila. During the next several years he discovered many mutant traits, such as eye colors, body colors, and wing variations, and determined the modes of heredity. He and the members of his experimental laboratory made such advances in genetics as a clear understanding of sex-linkage, final proof of the chromosome theory of heredity, establishment of the linear arrangement of genes in the chromosome, the demonstration of interference in crossing-over, and the discovery of chromosomal inversions. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1933.
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