polymerase chain reaction

noun

Definition of polymerase chain reaction

: 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 laboratories generate their COVID-19 test results through a molecular testing process called reverse polymerase chain reaction, or RT-PCR, that has been used for years to diagnose a variety of diseases. — Alexander Tin, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2022 This is done using a technique called a polymerase chain reaction. — Helena Oliviero, ajc, 4 Dec. 2021 This is done using a technique called a polymerase chain reaction. — Nathaniel Hafer, The Conversation, 8 Nov. 2021 Labcorp's test is a PCR, or polymerase chain reaction test. — Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 17 May 2022 Visitors entering the city-state via these VTLs from Feb. 22 will not need to take a polymerase chain reaction test upon arrival and can take a supervised self-swab instead. — Philip J. Heijmans, Fortune, 16 Feb. 2022 Visitors entering the city-state via these VTLs from Feb. 22 will not need to take a polymerase chain reaction test upon arrival and can take a supervised self-swab instead. — Philip Heijmans, Bloomberg.com, 16 Feb. 2022 The organization relies on a polymerase chain reaction test, which involves taking a sample with a cotton swab from the front of one nostril. — Eric Killelea, San Antonio Express-News, 4 Jan. 2022 Dilkens said a Canadian travel requirement — having negative polymerase chain reaction test that can cost $200 — is likely to prevent many who want to drive from Ontario to Michigan from doing so. — Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'polymerase chain reaction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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polymerase

polymerase chain reaction

polymeria

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Last Updated

1 Aug 2022

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“Polymerase chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymerase%20chain%20reaction. Accessed 8 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for polymerase chain reaction

polymerase chain reaction

noun

Medical Definition of polymerase chain reaction

: 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