noun
one of various similar homeotic genes that are involved in bodily segmentation during embryonic development
• Syn: ↑homeobox
• Hypernyms: ↑homeotic gene
* * *
/hoh"mee euh boks'/
any of a group of genes whose function is to divide the early embryo into bands of cells with the potential to become specific organs or tissues.
[1985-90; HOMEO- + BOX1]
Useful english dictionary. 2012.