ras

noun

ˈras 

often attributive

: any of a family of genes that undergo mutation to oncogenes and especially to some commonly linked to human cancers (as of the colon, lung, and pancreas)

Word History

Etymology

ra(t) entry 1 + s(arcoma); from the initial isolation of such genes in rat sarcomas

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ras

• ras el hanout

Medical Definition

ras

noun

ˈras 

often attributive

: any of a family of genes that undergo mutation to oncogenes and especially to some commonly linked to human cancers (as of the colon, lung, and pancreas)

ras oncogenes

ras proteins

Etymology

rat sarcoma