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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supercoil

verb

First Known Use of supercoil

1939

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Medical Dictionary

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

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