defined: A statistical estimate of whether two loci are likely to lie near each other on a chromosome and are therefore likely to be inherited together. A LOD score of three or more is generally taken to indicate that the two loci are close. explained: Listen to a detailed explanation.Dr. Robert Nussbaum, of the National Human Genome Research Institute's Laboratory of Genetic Disease Research, defines LOD score. related terms: chromosome, gene, inherited, locus