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polymerase chain reaction
noun
: an in vitro technique for rapidly synthesizing large quantities of a given DNA segment that involves separating the DNA into its two complementary strands, using DNA polymerase to synthesize two-stranded DNA from each single strand, and repeating the process
—abbreviation PCR
Examples of polymerase chain reaction in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Our primary method of testing has been through polymerase chain reaction [PCR], which provides results in eight to 10 hours.
—Paul Adepoju, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2024
To help contain the spread, doctors and public health officials prioritized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
—Robert Pearl, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
In the United Kingdom, the percentage of polymerase chain reaction tests that came back positive for SARS-CoV-2 peaked on 14 July at a level last seen in October 2023.
—Byjon Cohen, science.org, 21 Aug. 2024
The positivity rate for BayCare patients jumped from 2% early last month to roughly 13% as of Monday, according to results from polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests.
—Sam Ogozalek, Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for polymerase chain reaction
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polymerase chain reaction.' 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
1985, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of polymerase chain reaction was
in 1985
Dictionary Entries Near polymerase chain reaction
Cite this Entry
“Polymerase chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymerase%20chain%20reaction. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
polymerase chain reaction
noun
: an in vitro technique for rapidly synthesizing large quantities of a given DNA segment that involves separating the DNA into its two complementary strands, binding a primer to each single strand at the end of the given DNA segment where synthesis will start, using DNA polymerase to synthesize two-stranded DNA from each single strand, and repeating the process
—abbreviation PCR
More from Merriam-Webster on polymerase chain reaction
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polymerase chain reaction
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