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

Previous studies relied on a process known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which amplifies small or degraded fragments of DNA, allowing scientists to analyze genetic material even from old or damaged organic matter. —New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025

Examples of tests include reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, viral culture and immunofluorescence assays. —Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Researchers confirmed positive tests with laboratory polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, testing. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025

The best example of this is an enzyme called DNA polymerase, which is used to artificially replicate DNA in the lab by the polymerase chain reaction. —James F. Holden, The Conversation, 21 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polymerase chain reaction

• abstraction
• attraction
• compaction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction

Medical Definition

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, binding a primer to each single strand at the end of the given DNA segment where synthesis will start, using DNA polymerase to synthesize two-stranded DNA from each single strand, and repeating the process

—abbreviation PCR