polymerase chain reaction
noun
: an in vitro technique for rapidly synthesizing large quantities of a given DNA segment that involves separating the DNA into its two complementary strands, using DNA polymerase to synthesize two-stranded DNA from each single strand, and repeating the process
—abbreviation PCR
Examples of polymerase chain reaction in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Most flu tests, whether rapid or the PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction), are coming back as positive for flu A and not flu B.
Flu A is more common and more common in adults.
—
Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Most tests available today to see if people have the virus are conducted using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2020
The genetic sequencers, polymerase chain reaction machines, and mass spectrometers that can detect a broad range of pathogens — 40 bacteria and 15 viruses — must be validated before they can be used with samples collected from patients.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025
In last week’s announcement, World Boxing said all athletes over the age of 18 will have to undertake a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test, which can be conducted by a nasal or mouth swab, saliva or blood.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
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Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Most tests available today to see if people have the virus are conducted using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology.
—IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2020
The genetic sequencers, polymerase chain reaction machines, and mass spectrometers that can detect a broad range of pathogens — 40 bacteria and 15 viruses — must be validated before they can be used with samples collected from patients.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2025
In last week’s announcement, World Boxing said all athletes over the age of 18 will have to undertake a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) genetic test, which can be conducted by a nasal or mouth swab, saliva or blood.
—Reuters, CNN Money, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for polymerase chain reaction
Cite this Entry
“Polymerase chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymerase%20chain%20reaction. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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