GMO
abbreviation or noun
plural GMOs
1
: a plant, animal, or microorganism whose DNA has been altered artificially through the insertion, deletion, or modification of one or more genes in order to express (see express entry 1 sense 4) or suppress (see suppress sense 6) a targeted trait or traits : genetically modified organism sense 1
… the corn is a genetically modified organism, often referred to as a GMO, and carries traits that repel insects and protect it from the herbicide …—JD Malone
Most animals that are GMOs are produced for use in laboratory research. These animals are used as "models" to study the function of specific genes and, typically, how the genes relate to health and disease.—National Geographic
—sometimes used before another nounIn 2020, GMO soybeans made up 94% of all soybeans planted … and 92% of corn planted was GMO corn.—U.S. Food & Drug Administration
2
: something (such as a fruit) that is the product of an organism and especially a plant that has undergone genetic modification : genetically modified organism sense 2
… the pink-colored flesh is not the result of a naturally-occurring mutation. Pink pineapple fruit is a … GMO.—Laura Miller
—sometimes used before another nounMany parents are already limiting the amount of fast food that their children eat, and GMO french fries would give them another reason to pass by …—Wenonah Hauter
Cite this Entry
“GMO.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/GMO. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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