oligonucleotide

noun

ol·​i·​go·​nu·​cle·​o·​tide ə-ˌli-gə-ˈnü-klē-ə-ˌtīd How to pronounce oligonucleotide (audio)
-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 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 Currently medical efforts to target ncRNAs and alter their regulatory effects often use RNA strings called antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Philip Ball, Scientific American, 14 May 2024 This one, known as an antisense oligonucleotide, is designed to prevent cells from making a protein that's central to the disease. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 15 May 2024 Carrillo pointed to a recent paper describing a Phase 1 trial of a different kind of genetic tool called an antisense oligonucleotide, or ASO, in Alzheimer’s as an example of how researchers are leveraging emerging technologies. Andrew Joseph, STAT, 16 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for oligonucleotide 

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

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oligonucleotide was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near oligonucleotide

Cite this Entry

“Oligonucleotide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oligonucleotide. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

oligonucleotide

noun
oli·​go·​nu·​cle·​o·​tide -ˈn(y)ü-klē-ə-ˌtīd How to pronounce oligonucleotide (audio)
: a relatively short single-stranded nucleic-acid chain (as an oligodeoxynucleotide or oligoribonucleotide) usually consisting of up to approximately 20 nucleotides

More from Merriam-Webster on oligonucleotide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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