"Genetic pleiotropy" refers to the phenomenon where a single gene or genetic variant has multiple, distinct effects on an organism's phenotype. In other words, a single gene can influence more than one trait or characteristic, often by acting on different pathways or processes within the body. This concept is important in genetics and genomics research because it can help explain the complex relationships between genes and various traits or diseases, as well as the potential trade-offs between different genetic adaptations.