Definitions

1. noun

A variant of a gene that occupies a specific location on a chromosome.

“The two alleles of the gene determine the eye color of the individual.”

2. noun

In a language, one of the different forms of a word that are distinguished by their pronunciation or spelling.

“The three alleles of the verb ‘to be’ have different conjugations in the present tense.”

3. noun

A variant of a gene that differs from another variant by one or more nucleotide substitutions.

“The research team studied the effect of the new allele on the patient’s genetic makeup.”