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genetic profiling

genetic profiling

4.9
Testing DNA from a sample to identify a person or family links
  • noun
  • /dʒəˈnɛtɪk ˈproʊfaɪlɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : perfilado genético
  • The police used genetic profiling to identify the suspect.

Examples

  • The police used genetic profiling to link the suspect to the crime scene.

  • Many companies offer genetic profiling services for ancestry research.

  • Advances in genetic profiling have revolutionized forensic science and criminal investigations.

  • Privacy advocates are concerned about the use and storage of information obtained through genetic profiling.

  • The police used genetic profiling to identify the suspect from the DNA found at the crime scene.

  • Researchers are developing methods for genetic profiling to trace hereditary diseases in families.

  • The clinic offers genetic profiling to help patients understand their risk for certain genetic disorders.

Synonyms

genotyping
vsgenetic profiling
  • Specialized
1 7.1

To find which genes a person or sample has by testing DNA

aims at identifying people or family links rather than measuring genetic makeup
DNA fingerprint
vsgenetic profiling
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A unique pattern in a person's DNA that identifies them

is applied more widely to identify people and determine genetic relationships
genetic fingerprinting
vsgenetic profiling
  • Specialized
1 4.1

A test that uses DNA from blood or saliva to find who someone is

is broader and also used to determine genetic relationships as well as identity

How Specific

genetic fingerprinting
  • Specialized
1 4.1
genetic profiling
  • Specialized
4.9
genetic screening
  • Specialized
1 3.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

genetic + profiling

The meaning is directly compositional: 'genetic' (relating to genes) modifies 'profiling' (the process of creating a profile), so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to creating profiles from genetic information. The adjective+noun pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents should understand the MWE.

Etymology

Genetic profiling comes from the words genetic (about genes) and profiling (making a short description). Imagine turning a person's DNA into a unique pattern, like a fingerprint or a police sketch that helps police 'identify' someone at a crime scene, so it now means using DNA to find who a person is.