nucleosome

noun

nu·​cle·​o·​some ˈnü-klē-ə-ˌsōm How to pronounce nucleosome (audio)
ˈnyü-
: any of the repeating globular subunits of chromatin that consist of a complex of DNA and histone
nucleosomal adjective

Examples of nucleosome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Chromatin is built when DNA winds around millions of spool-like protein structures called nucleosomes. Quanta Magazine, 25 Feb. 2015

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

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nucleosome was in 1962

Dictionary Entries Near nucleosome

Cite this Entry

“Nucleosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleosome. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

nucleosome

noun
nu·​cleo·​some -ˌsōm How to pronounce nucleosome (audio)
: any of the repeating globular subunits of chromatin that consist of a complex of DNA and histone and are thought to be present only during interphase
nucleosomal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on nucleosome

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!