MEME

Shortened form of mimeme, derived from gene. An idea or concept that resides and travels to and from various people's brains. Can be used to describe an idea or information as if parasitic. Word obtained from Richard Dawkin's The Selfish Gene. Example: 1. The God meme is a very widespread meme which resides in the consciousness of many people. 2. Computers and writing media can be used as large meme repositories, and can aid the spread and reproduction of memes.