sticky end

noun

, Genetics, Biotechnology.

1. a single-stranded end of DNA or RNA having a nucleotide base sequence complementary to that of another strand, enabling the two strands to be connected by base pairing: produced in the laboratory with the use of restriction enzymes for genetic engineering purposes.

sticky end

noun

1. informal.
   an unpleasant finish or death (esp in the phrase come to or meet a sticky end )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sticky end¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

He was rather an unsavoury sort of character in some ways, but I heard that he came to a sticky end.

From Project Gutenberg