telomerase
noun
tel·o·me·rase
te-ˈlō-mə-ˌrās 
-ˌrāz
: a DNA polymerase that is a ribonucleoprotein catalyzing the elongation of chromosomal telomeres in eukaryotic cell division and is particularly active in cancer cells
Examples of telomerase in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There’s also growing interest in how telomerase might be safely used to aid tissue regeneration, although that wasn’t tested in this study.
—
Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2025
However, the enzyme telomerase can rebuild telomeres to restore cell division.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2024
However, most of our cells produce very little telomerase naturally.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024
Even more interesting is the fact that TPP1 is known to activate telomerase.
—Jonathan Alder, The Conversation, 10 Nov. 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2025
However, the enzyme telomerase can rebuild telomeres to restore cell division.
—New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2024
However, most of our cells produce very little telomerase naturally.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024
Even more interesting is the fact that TPP1 is known to activate telomerase.
—Jonathan Alder, The Conversation, 10 Nov. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Telomerase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telomerase. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
telomerase
noun
tel·o·me·rase
te-ˈlō-mə-ˌrās, -ˌrāz
: a DNA polymerase that is a ribonucleoprotein catalyzing the elongation of chromosomal telomeres in eukaryotic cell division and is particularly active in cancer cells
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share