Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to an inheritable characteristic controlled by multiple genes: "Polygenic" describes a trait or condition whose inheritance and expression are influenced by the combined effect of several different genes, rather than a single gene.
   • Determined by polygenes: It refers to something that is governed by a group of genes (polygenes), each contributing a small effect to the overall phenotype.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Height in humans is a classic example of a polygenic trait.
  • The researchers studied the polygenic basis of skin color variation.
  • Susceptibility to many common diseases, like type 2 diabetes, is often polygenic.

Advanced Usage

• "Polygenic risk score (PRS)": A numerical score that estimates an individual's genetic predisposition for a specific disease or trait based on the combined effect of many genetic variants.

  • Her polygenic risk score indicated an elevated genetic likelihood for coronary artery disease.

• "Polygenic inheritance": The pattern of inheritance for a trait controlled by two or more genes.

  • The textbook chapter on polygenic inheritance explained the continuous variation seen in traits like grain color in wheat.

Variants and Related Words

• Polygene (n): Any of a group of genes that collectively control a polygenic trait.
  • Each polygene contributes incrementally to the final expression of the characteristic.

Synonyms

• Multigenic: Involving or controlled by multiple genes. (Note: This is a less common synonym.)
• Quantitative (in genetics): Referring to traits showing continuous variation, typically influenced by many genes and the environment.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Monogenic (adj): Opposite term; relating to a trait controlled by a single gene.
• Oligogenic (adj): Relating to a trait influenced by a small number of genes.

Adjective

1. of or relating to an inheritable character that is controlled by several genes at once; of or related to or determined by polygenes