restriction fragment length polymorphism

noun

: variation in the length of a DNA fragment produced by a specific restriction enzyme acting on DNA from different individuals that usually results from a gene mutation and that may be used as a genetic marker

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of restriction fragment length polymorphism was in 1980

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near restriction fragment length polymorphism

restriction enzyme

restriction fragment length polymorphism

restrictionism

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Restriction fragment length polymorphism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restriction%20fragment%20length%20polymorphism. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

restriction fragment length polymorphism

noun

: variation in the length of a restriction fragment produced by a specific restriction enzyme acting on DNA from different individuals that usually results from a gene mutation (as an insertion or deletion) and that may be used as a genetic marker

called also RFLP