nuclease

noun

nu·​cle·​ase ˈnü-klē-ˌās How to pronounce nuclease (audio)
ˈnyü-,
-ˌāz
: any of various enzymes that promote hydrolysis of nucleic acids

Examples of nuclease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Genome-editing tools such as zinc finger nucleases and TALENs (transcription activator-like effector nucleases) already existed, but Crispr proved to be far more efficient, not to mention easier and cheaper to use. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2023 The company pioneered the zinc finger nuclease gene-editing method. Trefis Team, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2021 But soon after fertilization, the nuclease cuts the DNA sequence on the other chromosome from the parent that did not carry the gene at the precise location of the gene drive. Matthew Cobb, Scientific American, 13 Jan. 2023 One was caused by the zinc finger nuclease, and three were due to piggyBac. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nuclease.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuclease was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near nuclease

Cite this Entry

“Nuclease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuclease. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

nuclease

noun
nu·​cle·​ase ˈn(y)ü-klē-ˌās, -ˌāz How to pronounce nuclease (audio)
: any of various enzymes that promote hydrolysis of nucleic acids

More from Merriam-Webster on nuclease

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