noncoding

adjective

non·​cod·​ing (ˈ)nän-ˈkō-diŋ 

: not specifying the genetic code

a noncoding DNA sequence

Examples of noncoding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even though the repeat is in a noncoding region of the gene [one that doesn’t contain instructions to build specific proteins], it has been shown to actually make toxic RNA and very small, toxic proteins. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2026

In this dark matter, noncoding DNA is transcribed into noncoding RNA. — Marlene Belfort, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2026

Many noncoding genes serve important regulatory, protective, or other functions within a cell. — Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Nov. 2025

Further analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection had altered small noncoding RNA molecules (sncRNAs) in sperm – epigenetic markers known to influence how genes are expressed in the next generation. — New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025

The short of it is that there are strong suspicions that some noncoding regions of the genome may regulate coding regions, and so be functionally very significant, even if indirectly. — Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2011

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for noncoding

• corroding
• decoding
• downloading
• encoding
• eroding
• exploding
• foreboding
• railroading
• reloading
• unloading
• uploading
• boding

Medical Definition

noncoding

adjective

non·​cod·​ing (ˈ)nän-ˈkōd-iŋ 

: not specifying the genetic code

noncoding introns