operon

noun

op·​er·​on ˈä-pə-ˌrän How to pronounce operon (audio)
: a group of closely linked genes that produces a single messenger RNA molecule in transcription and that consists of structural genes and regulating elements (such as an operator and promoter)

Examples of operon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This regulatory circuit, which Monod and Jacob dubbed the lac operon, has a neat, transparent logic. Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024

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

borrowed from French opéron, from opérer "to bring about, effect" (going back to Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin operārī "to work, be efficacious") + -on -on entry 2 — more at operate

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of operon was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near operon

Cite this Entry

“Operon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operon. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

operon

noun
op·​er·​on ˈäp-ə-ˌrän How to pronounce operon (audio)
: a group of closely linked genes that produces a single messenger RNA molecule in transcription and that consists of structural genes and regulating elements (as an operator and promoter)

More from Merriam-Webster on operon

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