oligonucleotide

noun

ol·​i·​go·​nu·​cle·​o·​tide ə-ˌli-gə-ˈnü-klē-ə-ˌtīd How to pronounce oligonucleotide (audio)
-ˈnyü-
: a short nucleic-acid chain usually consisting of up to approximately 20 nucleotides

Examples of oligonucleotide 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 company plans to start a trial of its oligonucleotide later this year or early in 2025, Platenburg says. Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 24 Oct. 2024 In contrast, Wave’s oligonucleotide is injected into the body clad in only a sugar that enables it to enter liver cells. Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 24 Oct. 2024 Humans could, in theory, one day use scaling laws to extend our lifespans. ▸ 7 min — with Geoffrey West Health Penn scientists correct genetic blindness with single injection into the eye Antisense oligonucleotide therapy uses small molecules to alter RNA. Big Think, 24 June 2024 Currently medical efforts to target ncRNAs and alter their regulatory effects often use RNA strings called antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Philip Ball, Scientific American, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for oligonucleotide 

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oligonucleotide was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near oligonucleotide

Cite this Entry

“Oligonucleotide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oligonucleotide. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

oligonucleotide

noun
: a relatively short single-stranded nucleic-acid chain (as an oligodeoxynucleotide or oligoribonucleotide) usually consisting of up to approximately 20 nucleotides

More from Merriam-Webster on oligonucleotide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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