Franken- prefix

(used to form nouns in the sense ‘created or modified by scientific techniques, esp. genetic engineering’)

Science

  • 1967 J. Blish To Love Another in Analog Apr. 23/2 James Blish

    One of the lab men said that we have a Frankenslime to deal with.

  • 1972 Indianapolis Teen Star 8 Jan. 6/5

    A bevy of hip nuns, 'a bowl of raisins' and a mad scientist and his Frankenplant are a few of the between act jesters.

  • 1976 Boston Globe 29 Aug. A9/1

    New World Films, Roger Corman’s low-budget production company, is countering with 'Frankencar,' a first in the auto-horror genre.

  • 1992 P. Lewis in N.Y. Times 16 June a24/5

    Ever since Mary Shelley’s baron rolled his improved human out of the lab, scientists have been bringing just such good things to life. If they want to sell us Frankenfood, perhaps it’s time to gather the villagers, light some torches and head to the castle.

  • 1999 New Scientist 6 Nov. 12/1

    Activists decked out as genetically engineered monsters took to the streets of New York and Washington DC on Halloween to protest against what they call ‘Frankenscience’.

Research requirements

antedating 1972
Research History
Bill Mullins submitted a 1972 cite. Jim Landau submitted a 1967 cite from James Blish; Bill Mullins verified this in its earliest printed appearance.

Last modified 2021-02-15 19:04:12
In the compilation of some entries, HDSF has drawn extensively on corresponding entries in OED.