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

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Cite this Entry

“Nucleoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleoid. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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)
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