genetic engineering

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

geˈnet•ic en•giˈneer•ing, n. [uncountable]

1. Genetics the development and use of scientific methods, procedures, and technologies to change the genetic material of a cell, organism, or population.
2. Biochemistry a technique producing unlimited amounts of an otherwise unavailable or scarce biological product by changing the genetic material of a cell or bacteria so that the cell or bacteria produce the desired product.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

genet′ic engineer′ing, [Genetics.]

1. Genetics the development and application of scientific methods, procedures, and technologies that permit direct manipulation of genetic material in order to alter the hereditary traits of a cell, organism, or population.
2. Biochemistry a technique that produces unlimited amounts of otherwise unavailable or scarce biological product by introducing DNA isolated from animals or plants into bacteria and then harvesting the product from a bacterial colony, as human insulin produced in bacteria by the human insulin gene. Also called biogenetics. 

• 1965–70

genet′ic engineer′. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

genetic engineering noun

1. alteration of the DNA of a cell for purposes of research, as a means of manufacturing animal proteins, correcting genetic defects, or making improvements to plants and animals bred by humans