nucleoprotein

noun

nu·cle·o·pro·tein ˌnü-klē-ō-ˈprō-ˌtēn

ˌnyü-,

-ˈprō-tē-ən

: a compound that consists of a protein (such as a histone) conjugated with a nucleic acid (such as a DNA) and that is the principal constituent of the hereditary material in chromosomes

Examples of nucleoprotein in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bloom and others have identified specific mutations that make the nucleoprotein better at resisting the human immune system. —

Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 24 May 2021 The test detects the E (envelope) and N (nucleoprotein) genes on SARS-CoV-2. —

Jim Daley, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2020

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

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of nucleoprotein was in 1906

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nucleoprotein.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleoprotein. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

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Medical Definition

nucleoprotein

noun

nu·cleo·pro·tein ˌn(y)ü-klē-ō-ˈprō-ˌtēn, -ˈprōt-ē-ən

: a compound that consists of a protein (as a histone) conjugated with a nucleic acid (as a DNA) and that is the principal constituent of the hereditary material in chromosomes