oligonucleotide

noun

ol·​i·​go·​nu·​cle·​o·​tide ə-ˌli-gə-ˈnü-klē-ə-ˌtīd 

-ˈnyü-

: a short nucleic-acid chain usually consisting of up to approximately 20 nucleotides

Examples of oligonucleotide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Finally, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) were used to selectively block GI-SINEs and examine the resulting changes in neuron growth and protein interactions. —New Atlas, 13 July 2025

The company plans to start a trial of its oligonucleotide later this year or early in 2025, Platenburg says. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 24 Oct. 2024

In contrast, Wave’s oligonucleotide is injected into the body clad in only a sugar that enables it to enter liver cells. —Bymitch Leslie, science.org, 24 Oct. 2024

Humans could, in theory, one day use scaling laws to extend our lifespans. ▸ 7 min — with Geoffrey West Health Penn scientists correct genetic blindness with single injection into the eye Antisense oligonucleotide therapy uses small molecules to alter RNA. —Big Think, 24 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for oligonucleotide

• hydrochlorothiazide
• lipopolysaccharide
• mucopolysaccharide
• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide

Medical Definition

oligonucleotide

noun

oli·​go·​nu·​cle·​o·​tide -ˈn(y)ü-klē-ə-ˌtīd 

: a relatively short single-stranded nucleic-acid chain (as an oligodeoxynucleotide or oligoribonucleotide) usually consisting of up to approximately 20 nucleotides