What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pleiotropic
Example
The sickle cell anemia gene is pleiotropic because it affects both red blood cell shape and malaria resistance. [pleiotropic: adjective]
Example
The gene responsible for Marfan syndrome is pleiotropic because it affects the connective tissue in multiple organs. [pleiotropic: adjective]
polygenic
Example
Height is a polygenic trait because it is influenced by multiple genes. [polygenic: adjective]
Example
Skin color is a polygenic trait because it is determined by multiple genes. [polygenic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Polygenic is more commonly used than pleiotropic in scientific literature and everyday language. Polygenic is a more general term that applies to many traits and diseases, while pleiotropic is a more specific term that applies to rare genetic disorders.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pleiotropic and polygenic?
Both pleiotropic and polygenic are technical terms used in scientific contexts and are considered formal language.
