supercoil

noun

su·per·coil | \ ˈsü-pər-ˌkȯi(-ə)l

Definition of supercoil

: a double helix (as of DNA) that has undergone additional twisting in the same direction as or in the opposite direction from the turns in the original helix

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Examples of supercoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In 2008, Levens, the National Cancer Institute biologist, led a team that detected supercoils in human cells, reigniting interest in DNA’s higher-order structure. — Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2016

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

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Dictionary Entries Near supercoil

supercluster

supercoil

supercollider

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Cite this Entry

“Supercoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supercoil. Accessed 13 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for supercoil

supercoil

noun

su·per·coil | \ ˈsü-pər-ˌkȯi(ə)l

Medical Definition of supercoil

: a double helix (as of DNA) that has undergone additional twisting in the same direction as or in the opposite direction from the turns in the original helix

— called also superhelix