əˈlē(ə)l noun
also al·lel -lel
( -s )
Etymology: German allel, short for allelomorph
1. : either of a pair of alternative Mendelian characters (as smooth or wrinkled seed in the pea) — compare mendel's law , multiple allele
2. : gene , factor — used chiefly of a gene considered as the vehicle of an allele
• al·lel·ic -ˈlēlik, -lel- adjective
• al·lel·ism -ˈlēˌlizəm, -leˌ- noun -s