2 syllables: Ge, nome. Stress on Ge.
JEE-nohm
/ˈdʒiˌnoʊm/
Genome is pronounced JEE-nohm (/ˈdʒiˌnoʊm/). It has two syllables (Ge-nome), with the stress on "Ge". Genome is a noun referring to the complete set of genetic material present in an organism or cell, including its genes and the non-coding sequences of the genome. It encompasses the entire sequence of nucleotides and is foundational to genetics research and biology. The term is used to describe both an individual organism's genetic material and the broader study of genetic information across species.
nounGenome is a noun referring to the complete set of genetic material present in an organism or cell, including its genes and the non-coding sequences of the genome. It encompasses the entire sequence of nucleotides and is foundational to genetics research and biology. The term is used to describe both an individual organism's genetic material and the broader study of genetic information across species.
"The genome sequencing project aims to map every gene in the human genome."
"Researchers compare the genomes of different species to understand evolutionary relationships."
"A genome-wide association study identifies genetic variations linked to diseases."
In general American and international practice, pronounce as ji-NOHM with the primary stress on the second syllable. IPA: US /dʒiˈnoʊm/, UK /dʒɪˈnəʊm/ or /dʒiˈnəʊm/. The initial 'ge' sounds like the soft 'gee' before a 'n' leading into a long 'oh' vowel in the final syllable. Audio reference: you can listen to native pronunciations on Forvo or YouGlish by searching 'genome'.
Common errors include over-emphasizing the first syllable (GE-nohm) making it GEH- nome, or flattening the second syllable so it sounds like 'NUM' instead of 'NOME'. Another error is pronouncing the second syllable as a short /ɪ/ or /ə/ rather than the long /oʊ/ or /əʊ/. To correct, place primary stress on the second syllable and ensure the 'eo' forms a long mid-back vowel, as in 'nohm'.
US: /dʒiˈnoʊm/ with a clear long /oʊ/ and slightly schwa-like second consonant, UK: /dʒɪˈnəʊm/ where the second syllable has a deeper, rounded /əʊ/; Australian: similar to UK but with a broader vowel in the second syllable, sometimes closer to /dʒɪˈnəʊm/ depending on speaker. The initial consonant cluster remains /dʒ/ (like 'judge').
The challenge lies in maintaining the stress on the second syllable while producing a long vowel in the second syllable and avoiding reduction to a short /o/ or /ɪ/. The combination of /dʒ/ onset, /i/ or /ɪ/ quality, and the diphthong in /noʊ/ can trip learners who are not comfortable with American or British English vowel shifts.
A common confusion is mistakenly stressing the first syllable or misinterpreting the 'eo' sequence as an /i/ vowel; remember the second syllable carries the primary stress and features a long 'oh' vowel sound. The word is two syllables with the /dʒ/ onset; thinking of 'jean-ome' can help in some accents. This word is often learned together with 'genome sequencing' to anchor usage.
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Genome derives from the fusion of 'gene' and the suffix '-ome', modeled after terms like 'chromosome' and 'proteome'. The root 'gene' comes from early 20th-century genetics, derived from German 'Gen' (origin or birth). The suffix '-ome' signals a complete set or total collection, borrowed from scientific coinages of the 19th and 20th centuries to denote comprehensive, system-wide bodies (e.g., proteome, metabolome). The phrase emerged in the context of expanding genomic science in the late 20th century, culminating in landmark projects like the Human Genome Project completed in the early 2000s. First known usage in this exact sense appeared in scientific literature as sequencing technologies allowed systematic cataloging of genetic material across organisms.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Genome" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Genome" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Genome" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Genome"
-ome sounds
-oam sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
WRITE ACTUAL CONTENT HERE: Write 400-600 words comprehensive pronunciation guide for 'Genome'. CRITICAL: Make this USEFUL, STRUCTURED, and SPECIFIC to this exact word. Use markdown headings for structure:
List the exact sounds in order with IPA: /dʒiˈnoʊm/ = 'dʒ' onset + 'ee' + stressed 'noh' + 'm'. Mark the stressed syllable. Include US/UK/AU variations if different.
