transgenic
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //trænˈdʒɛnɪk//
KK: /trænˈdʒɛnɪk/
adjective
Definition
Relating to organisms that have had genes from another species added to their DNA, often to enhance certain traits or characteristics.
Example
Scientists are conducting experiments with transgenic plants to improve crop yields.
Conversation
Have you heard about the new transgenic crops they are developing?
Yeah, I read something about that; they can resist pests better.
It's amazing how transgenic technology can help with food production.
Absolutely! It could really change how we grow our food in the future.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
genetically
modified
altered
Antonyms
natural
wild
unmodified
noun
Definition
An organism that has had genes from another species inserted into its DNA, often to enhance certain traits or characteristics.
Example
Scientists are studying transgenic crops to improve food production.
Conversation
Have you heard about transgenic crops that are being developed?
Yeah, I read that they can resist pests better than regular ones.
Exactly! It’s fascinating how transgenic technology can improve food production.
Root Explanation
Transgenic → It is formed from "trans-" (meaning across) and "genic" (from Greek "genes", meaning born of or produced by). The word refers to organisms that have genes from another species inserted into their genome, thus crossing species boundaries.
Memory Tip
Think of 'trans-' meaning 'across' and 'genic' relating to 'genes' — this helps you remember that 'transgenic' refers to organisms that have genes from across different species.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.