episome

noun

: a genetic determinant (such as the DNA of some bacteriophages) that can replicate autonomously in bacterial cytoplasm or as an integral part of the chromosomes
episomal adjective
episomally adverb

Examples of episome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The latent virus may integrate into the human genome – as does HIV, for example – or exist in the nucleus as a self-replicating piece of DNA called an episome. William Petri, The Conversation, 31 July 2020

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French épisome, from épi- epi- + -some -some entry 3

Note: The term was introduced by the French biologists François Jacob (1920-2013) and Élie Wollman (1917-2008) in "Les épisomes, éléments génétiques ajoutés," Comptes rendus hebdomadaires des séances de l'Académie des Sciences, tome 247, première partie (juillet-septembre 1958), séance du 7 juillet 1958, pp. 154-56.

First Known Use

circa 1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of episome was circa 1931

Dictionary Entries Near episome

Cite this Entry

“Episome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/episome. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

episome

noun
: a genetic determinant (as the DNA of some bacteriophages) that can replicate either autonomously in bacterial cytoplasm or as an integral part of their chromosomes compare plasmid
episomal adjective
episomally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on episome

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!