DNA polymerase

noun

: any of several polymerases that promote replication or repair of DNA usually using single-stranded DNA as a template

Examples of DNA polymerase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This technique, developed in the 1980s, uses the ability of DNA polymerase chains to synthesize new strands and make billions of copies of the sequences that are unique to the virus. Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of DNA polymerase was circa 1962

Dictionary Entries Near DNA polymerase

Cite this Entry

“DNA polymerase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/DNA%20polymerase. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

DNA polymerase

noun
: any of several polymerases that promote replication or repair of DNA usually using single-stranded DNA as a template

More from Merriam-Webster on DNA polymerase

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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