Originally: any of the genes coding for segments of the variable regions of immunoglobulin molecules. Later also: any short segment or artificially shortened version of a gene.
Origin
1970s. From mini- + gene.
Definition of minigene in US English:
minigene
nounˈmɪnɪdʒiːn
Genetics
Originally: any of the genes coding for segments of the variable regions of immunoglobulin molecules. Later also: any short segment or artificially shortened version of a gene.