extrachromosomal

adjective

ex·​tra·​chro·​mo·​som·​al ˌek-strə-ˌkrō-mə-ˈsō-məl How to pronounce extrachromosomal (audio)
-ˈzō-
: situated or controlled by factors outside the chromosome
extrachromosomal inheritance

Examples of extrachromosomal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Boundless’ lead drug is in Phase 1, with data expected in the second half of this year, and the company has a pipeline of early-stage treatments targeting extrachromosomal DNA. Damian Garde, STAT, 7 Mar. 2024 High levels of extrachromosomal circular DNA is found in up to a third of human cancer cells, although its frequency varies among different types of tumors. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 16 June 2022 Researchers examining why oncogenes mutate have traced some mutations to extrachromosomal circular DNA, or ecDNA strands. Irene Wright, Dallas News, 21 June 2022 The eDyNAmiC team will research the creation and action of extrachromosomal DNA, which helps tumors evolve and evade treatment. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 16 June 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extrachromosomal was in 1906

Dictionary Entries Near extrachromosomal

Cite this Entry

“Extrachromosomal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extrachromosomal. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

extrachromosomal

adjective
ex·​tra·​chro·​mo·​som·​al -ˌkrō-mə-ˈsō-məl, -ˈzō- How to pronounce extrachromosomal (audio)
: situated or controlled by factors outside the chromosome
extrachromosomal inheritance
extrachromosomal DNA
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