replicon

noun

rep·​li·​con ˈre-pli-ˌkän How to pronounce replicon (audio)
: a linear or circular section of DNA or RNA which replicates sequentially as a unit

Examples of replicon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The 3 prime messenger RNAs are made from subgenomic fragments, each of which serves as a separate replicon, resembling mini-genomes. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2021 Each subgenomic replicon serves as a template to produce positive-strand messenger RNAs via a process akin to the production of full-length genomic RNA (Figure 4). William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'replicon.' 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 réplicon, from réplication replication + -on -on entry 2

Note: The term was introduced by the French biologist François Jacob and the South African biologist Sydney Brenner in "Sur la régulation de la synthèse du DNA chez les bactéries: l'hypothèse du réplicon," Comptes rendus hebdomadaires des séances de l'Académie des Sciences, tome 256me, première partie, janvier-février 1963 (séance de 2 janvier 1963), pp. 298-300.

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of replicon was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near replicon

Cite this Entry

“Replicon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/replicon. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

replicon

noun
rep·​li·​con ˈrep-li-ˌkän How to pronounce replicon (audio)
: a linear or circular section of DNA or RNA which replicates sequentially as a unit
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