nucleic acid

noun

nu·​cle·​ic acid nu̇-ˈklē-ik- How to pronounce nucleic acid (audio) -ˈklā- How to pronounce nucleic acid (audio)
nyu̇-
: any of various complex organic acids (such as DNA or RNA) that are composed of nucleotide chains

Examples of nucleic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These vesicles, which carry bioactive cargo like lipids, growth factors, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids, are typically paired with in-office RF micro-needling and laser treatments. Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 Providers of synthetic nucleic acids should be required to know their customers and screen orders for suspicious DNA sequences. Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2024 Astrobiologists believe that the nucleic acids RNA and DNA first developed with some level of contribution from amino acids and other molecules that rode in on asteroids like Bennu billions of years ago. Linda Shiner, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Aug. 2024 Phosphates are among the constituents of nucleotides, which in turn form the structural units of nucleic acids, like DNA. Linda Shiner, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nucleic acid 

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

Word History

Etymology

from their occurrence in cell nuclei

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nucleic acid was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near nucleic acid

Cite this Entry

“Nucleic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleic%20acid. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

nucleic acid

noun
nu·​cle·​ic acid n(y)u̇-ˌklā-ik- How to pronounce nucleic acid (audio) -ˌklē- How to pronounce nucleic acid (audio)
: any of various acids (as DNA or RNA) composed of a chain of nucleotides and found especially in cell nuclei

Medical Definition

nucleic acid

noun
nu·​cle·​ic acid n(y)u̇-ˌklē-ik- How to pronounce nucleic acid (audio) -ˌklā- How to pronounce nucleic acid (audio)
: any of various acids (as an RNA or a DNA) composed of nucleotide chains

More from Merriam-Webster on nucleic acid

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