operon

noun

op·​er·​on ˈä-pə-ˌrän 

: a group of closely linked genes that produces a single messenger RNA molecule in transcription and that consists of structural genes and regulating elements (such as an operator and promoter)

Examples of operon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This regulatory circuit, which Monod and Jacob dubbed the lac operon, has a neat, transparent logic. —Philip Ball, Quanta Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French opéron, from opérer "to bring about, effect" (going back to Middle French, borrowed from Late Latin operārī "to work, be efficacious") + -on -on entry 2 — more at operate

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

operon

noun

op·​er·​on ˈäp-ə-ˌrän 

: a group of closely linked genes that produces a single messenger RNA molecule in transcription and that consists of structural genes and regulating elements (as an operator and promoter)