English pronunciation · Words Starting with A

Allele Pronunciation

Allele is pronounced uh-LE-lee, IPA /əˈlɛli/.

uh-LE-lee

US /əˈlɛli/  ·  UK /əˈliːl/

Syllables: uh · LE · lee (3 syllables, stress on syllable 2)

noun (genetics): One of two or more forms of a gene that can sit at the same place on a chromosome.

Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.

Allele in a Sentence

  • Each parent passes on one allele of the gene.
  • The dominant allele masks the other in the offspring.
  • They sequenced both alleles to be sure.

Common Mispronunciations of Allele

Not AL-eel

The beat sits on the second syllable, and the opening shrinks to a murmur.

Not uh-LAYL

The stressed vowel is the short e of bell rather than a long ay.

Tip: Americans generally give it three syllables, uh-LE-lee, and the British two, uh-LEEL.

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