multiple-factor

IPA/mˌʌltɪpəlfˈaktə/
IPA/mˌʌltɪpəlfˈæktɚ/

multiple-factor — noun

1. a gene that acts together with several others at different points in the genome

1.nounC2
Definition

a gene that acts together with several others at different points in the genome to shape an inherited feature such as height, skin colour, or seed size

Example

In the lecture, Professor Chen described each multiple-factor as one small genetic influence.

describe a multiple-factor in a teaching context

Rina labelled the multiple-factor on the chart before discussing eye-colour inheritance.

label a multiple-factor on a genetics chart

Common collocations
  • a multiple-factor
  • multiple-factor hypothesis
  • multiple-factor inheritance
  • multiple-factor affecting plant height
Synonyms
  • polygene

    technical near-equivalent and often the more common modern label

  • contributing gene

    broader and less exact; it does not specifically imply a quantitative trait

Antonyms
  • major gene

    often used for a gene with a much larger single effect on a trait

Grammar Patterns

a multiple-factor

multiple-factors affecting a trait

Usage Note

Usually appears in specialist discussions of inheritance, especially when many genes contribute small effects to one measurable trait. Modern sources often prefer polygene.

Common Mistakes

A multiple-factor is any strong gene.
A multiple-factor is one of several genes that together influence one trait.
the term is about combined action, not a single powerful gene.
Eye colour is a multiple-factor.
A gene involved in eye colour can be a multiple-factor.
the word names a gene, not the trait itself.

Word family

  • polygene
    nounC2
  • polygenic
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A 'multiple-factor' and a 'polygene' are almost the same idea: both refer to one gene that helps shape a trait controlled by many genes together. In modern genetics writing, 'polygene' is usually the more familiar label, while 'multiple-factor' often appears in older textbooks or in discussions of the multiple-factor hypothesis. A plain 'gene' is much broader and says nothing about whether the trait depends on one gene or many. By contrast, a 'major gene' suggests one gene with a large, easily seen effect. A researcher might say a crop's height depends on several multiple-factors, but a disease may sometimes be traced to one major gene.

polygenegene ↗major gene

Etymology

LatinEnglish

This technical term was formed in modern scientific English from 'multiple' and 'factor'. Early geneticists used 'factor' for a hereditary unit before 'gene' became the standard everyday term, so 'multiple-factor' referred to one of several hereditary factors acting together in the same trait.