: not relating to or involving genes : not genetic
nongenetic causes of disease

Examples of nongenetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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NIPTs don’t screen for nongenetic conditions, such as heart defects. Adriana Gallardo, ProPublica, 17 Dec. 2022 If the fetal genetic test comes back normal, that’s a clue that doctors should explore nongenetic causes, such as a malformation of the uterus or a hormonal issue. NBC News, 10 Feb. 2020 In some places, the surrogate's name will appear on the birth certificate, so after the child is born, the surrogate must legally renounce her parental rights and the nongenetic father must legally adopt the child. Esquire, 24 June 2016 Risk factors for nongenetic colorectal cancer include red meat, low education, too much alcohol, and too little alcohol. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 20 July 2021 Some nongenetic factors have been repeatedly linked to an elevated risk of developing autism spectrum disorder. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2025 These variants don’t determine a trait, but increase its likelihood by interacting with other DNA variants and nongenetic influences such as upbringing, lifestyle and environment. A Cecile Jw Janssens, Discover Magazine, 10 Dec. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nongenetic was in 1914

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Cite this Entry

“Nongenetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nongenetic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

nongenetic

adjective
: not genetic
nongenetic diseases
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