penetrance

[ pen-i-truhns ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. the frequency, expressed as a percentage, with which a particular gene produces its effect in a group of organisms. Compare expressivity ( def 2 ).

penetrance

/ ˈpɛnɪtrəns /

noun

1. genetics the percentage frequency with which a gene exhibits its effect

Word History and Origins

Origin of penetrance¹

First recorded in 1635–45; penetr(ant) + -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of penetrance¹

C20: from penetr ( ant ) + -ance , on the model of German penetranz

Example Sentences

The schizophrenia risk locus 15q11.2, a particular chromosomal region containing four genes, has a penetrance of over 10%, translating to a doubling of risk for schizophrenia among people carrying an unusual copy number of this genetic region.

From Science Daily

“If we just very, very much utilize that testing — in schools for teachers, even ultimately, for the students, intermittently — you could get a good feel for what the penetrance of infection is and you can do something about it,” Fauci said.

From Los Angeles Times

Fauci also said: “Community spread doesn’t stop spontaneously unless you do something about it. It is easier to stop when the level is relatively low. The only way that you can get at community spread is that you need to test people who are without symptoms, in order to show what the degree of penetrance of infection is.”

From The Guardian

“Clearly, the virus had been circulating there for a number of weeks to have this level of penetrance into the general community.”

From New York Times

Clearly, the virus had been circulating there for a number of weeks to have this level of penetrance into the general community.

From Fox News