A genetic algorithm is an optimization algorithm based on the mechanisms of Darwinian evolution which uses random mutation, crossover and selection procedures to breed better models or solutions from an originally random starting population or sample.
Source:
PAC, 1997, 69, 1137. 'Glossary of terms used in computational drug design (IUPAC Recommendations 1997)' on page 1144 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199769051137)