polymerase chain reaction
noun
: an in vitro technique for rapidly synthesizing large quantities of a given DNA segment that involves separating the DNA into its two complementary strands, using DNA polymerase to synthesize two-stranded DNA from each single strand, and repeating the process
—abbreviation PCR
Examples of polymerase chain reaction in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the United Kingdom, the percentage of polymerase chain reaction tests that came back positive for SARS-CoV-2 peaked on 14 July at a level last seen in October 2023.
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Byjon Cohen, science.org, 21 Aug. 2024
The positivity rate for BayCare patients jumped from 2% early last month to roughly 13% as of Monday, according to results from polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests.
—Sam Ogozalek, Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2024
The viral fragments were detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing, which is known for its exceptional sensitivity in detecting even trace amounts of viral genetic material.
—Todd Cornish, The Conversation, 25 Apr. 2024
It should be noted that the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that was used can detect both live viruses and fragments of dead ones, and cannot differentiate between the two.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for polymerase chain reaction 
Byjon Cohen, science.org, 21 Aug. 2024
The positivity rate for BayCare patients jumped from 2% early last month to roughly 13% as of Monday, according to results from polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests.
—Sam Ogozalek, Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2024
The viral fragments were detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing, which is known for its exceptional sensitivity in detecting even trace amounts of viral genetic material.
—Todd Cornish, The Conversation, 25 Apr. 2024
It should be noted that the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that was used can detect both live viruses and fragments of dead ones, and cannot differentiate between the two.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for polymerase chain reaction
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polymerase chain reaction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near polymerase chain reaction
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“Polymerase chain reaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymerase%20chain%20reaction. Accessed 30 Sep. 2024.
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