Genetoid

/ˈdʒɛnɪˌtɔɪd/ adjective

Definition

Resembling or related to generation, genesis, or reproduction in form or function.

Etymology

From gene/genesis + -oid (Greek -oeides, 'resembling, like'). A technical term suggesting something shares characteristics with genetic or reproductive processes.

Kelly Says

In early 20th-century biology, scientists used 'genetoid structures' to describe cellular formations that acted like they were involved in inheritance—it was like genetics detectives calling something 'looks-like-DNA' before they knew what DNA was.

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