nucleoid

noun

nu·​cle·​oid ˈnü-klē-ˌȯid How to pronounce nucleoid (audio)
ˈnyü-
: the DNA-containing area of a prokaryotic cell (such as a bacterium)

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nucleoid was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near nucleoid

Cite this Entry

“Nucleoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleoid. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

nucleoid

1 of 2 adjective
nu·​cle·​oid ˈn(y)ü-klē-ˌȯid How to pronounce nucleoid (audio)
: resembling a nucleus

nucleoid

2 of 2 noun
: the DNA-containing area of a prokaryotic cell (as a bacterium)
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!