microsatellite

noun

mi·​cro·​sat·​el·​lite ˌmī-krō-ˈsa-tə-ˌlīt How to pronounce microsatellite (audio)
: any of numerous short segments of DNA that are distributed throughout the genome, that consist of repeated sequences of usually two to five nucleotides, and that tend to vary from one individual to another

Examples of microsatellite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Short, repeating segments of DNA known as microsatellites were used to test the relatedness of the parents. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2023 The problem is that microsatellites often give inaccurate estimates of which individuals are most and least related. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2023 Measuring several microsatellites creates a DNA fingerprint that is rare, if not unique. Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2023 His team will extract DNA from dogs in that family and (using the same strategy adopted by Rine) search for a microsatellite repeat tightly linked to the disease gene. Rosie Mestel, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Every genome contains repetitive sequences called microsatellites that vary in length from individual to individual. Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2023 Silicon Valley startup Bluefield Technologies plans to launch a backpack-sized microsatellite in 2020, following a high-altitude balloon test of its methane sensors at nearly 31,000 meters. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Mar. 2023 Claire, a microsatellite, was monitoring a mud volcano in Central Asia when a mysterious plume appeared in its peripheral view. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Mar. 2023 Canada's GHGSat led the charge in 2016 with its carbon-tracking Claire microsatellite, and the company now has a second-generation microsat ready to launch. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'microsatellite.' 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

1989, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microsatellite was in 1989

Dictionary Entries Near microsatellite

Cite this Entry

“Microsatellite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microsatellite. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

microsatellite

noun
mi·​cro·​sat·​el·​lite -ˈsat-ᵊl-ˌīt How to pronounce microsatellite (audio)
: any of numerous short segments of DNA that are distributed throughout the genome, that consist of repeated sequences of usually two to five nucleotides, and that are often useful markers in studies of genetic linkage because they tend to vary from one individual to another compare minisatellite
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