horizontal gene transfer

noun

The transfer of genetic material from one organism to another one that is not its offspring; especially common among bacteria.

Similar
lateral gene transfer
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Meanings

nounhorizontal gene transfer (countable and uncountable, plural horizontal gene transfers, abbreviation HGT)

plural horizontal gene transfers · abbreviation HGT

  1. countableuncountablebiologyThe transfer of genetic material from one organism to another one that is not its offspring; especially common among bacteria.

    Study of kett DNA shows evidence of horizontal gene transfer and the incorporation of genes from dozens of unknown species.

    2017, BioWare, Mass Effect: Andromeda (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →OCLC, PC, scene: Kett: Biology Codex entry

    Synonyms: lateral gene transfer

Synonyms & antonyms

nounThe transfer of genetic material from one organism to another one that is not its offspring; especially common among bacteria.

Similar
lateral gene transfer
Cite this entry
APA

horizontal gene transfer. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/horizontal%20gene%20transfer

MLA

“horizontal gene transfer.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/horizontal%20gene%20transfer. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “horizontal gene transfer,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/horizontal%20gene%20transfer.

Source: horizontal gene transfer on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.