: RNA or a segment of RNA that is composed of a polynucleotide chain consisting entirely of adenylic acid residues and that codes for polylysine when functioning as messenger RNA in protein synthesis

Word History

Etymology

poly- + adenylic acid

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of poly(A) was in 1957

Dictionary Entries Near poly(A)

Cite this Entry

“Poly(A).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poly%28A%29. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

poly(A)

noun
: RNA or a segment of RNA that is composed of a polynucleotide chain consisting entirely of adenine-containing nucleotides and that codes for polylysine when functioning as messenger RNA in protein synthesis

called also polyadenylate, polyadenylic acid

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