gene flow

noun

: the passage and establishment of genes typical of one breeding population into the gene pool of another

Examples of gene flow in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Karst landscapes are known to limit gene flow among populations of species, the study said. — Lauren Liebhaber july 16, Miami Herald, 16 July 2025 This differentiates the two ecotypes while maintaining species-wide gene flow. — Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 21 May 2026 In contrast, the gene flow from dogs to wolves was much more recent, concentrated around the beginning of the 19th century. — Ritsuko Kawai, Wired News, 25 Dec. 2025 Another issue is introgression, or gene flow from archaic hominin groups. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gene flow

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene flow was in 1939

Rhymes for gene flow

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Browse Nearby Words

gene editing
gene flow
gene frequency
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Cite this Entry

“Gene flow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20flow. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

gene flow

noun
: the passage and establishment of genes typical of one breeding population into the gene pool of another

More from Merriam-Webster on gene flow

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gene flow

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