plasmid

noun

plas·​mid ˈplaz-məd How to pronounce plasmid (audio)
: an extrachromosomal ring of DNA especially of bacteria that replicates autonomously

Examples of plasmid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Once purified, the plasmids and enzymes are piped into other tanks, where a biochemical reaction produces the dsRNA. Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 27 June 2024 Although the bacteria were genetically different, many contained nearly identical plasmids with the same antibiotic-resistance genes. Melinda Wenner Moyer, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2016 In July 2021, Thermo Fisher expanded its presence in San Diego County with a 67,000-square-foot plasmid manufacturing facility near its existing Carlsbad campus. Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2024 Enzymes are used to cut the plasmids into linear pieces of DNA that encode the spike protein, and a different enzyme converts that DNA into mRNA. Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 4 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for plasmid 

Word History

Etymology

plasma + -id entry 2

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plasmid was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near plasmid

Cite this Entry

“Plasmid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plasmid. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

plasmid

noun
plas·​mid ˈplaz-məd How to pronounce plasmid (audio)
: an extrachromosomal ring of DNA that replicates autonomously and is found especially in bacteria compare episome

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