recombinant DNA

noun

: genetically engineered DNA usually incorporating DNA from more than one species of organism

Examples of recombinant DNA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Founded in 1976, Genentech pioneered recombinant DNA and essentially founded the biotech industry. Randy Bean, Forbes.com, 23 Mar. 2026 Considered the first genetic engineering company, Genentech, one of the creators of recombinant DNA technology, has since gone on to become a household name for isolating the genes for human insulin, growth hormone and more. Theresa Neil, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 The proponents of the science said the process, known as recombinant DNA, could one day eradicate certain diseases or ease world hunger with disease-resistance crops. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 10 July 2024 In the 1990s, researchers at the National University of Singapore invented and patented the first process for creating a synthetic, endotoxin-detecting compound using horseshoe crab DNA and recombinant DNA technology. Kristoffer Whitney, Fortune Well, 13 Oct. 2023 In the 1990s, researchers at the National University of Singapore invented and patented the first process for creating a synthetic endotoxin-detecting compound using horseshoe crab DNA and recombinant DNA technology. Kristoffer Whitney and Jolie Crunelle, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Oct. 2023 The recombinant DNA researchers behind the Asilomar Conference of 1975 famously organized a moratorium on certain experiments. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of recombinant DNA was in 1961

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Cite this Entry

“Recombinant DNA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recombinant%20DNA. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

recombinant DNA

noun
: genetically engineered DNA usually incorporating DNA from more than one species of organism

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