Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

antisense

American  
[an-tee-sens, an-tahy‑] / ˌæn tiˈsɛns, ˌæn taɪ‑ /

adjective

  1. of or relating to a gene that is derived from RNA or complementary DNA, is inserted in reverse orientation into a strand of DNA, and is used in genetic engineering to regulate genetic expression of a trait.


antisense Scientific  
/ ăn′tē-sĕns,ăn′tī- /
  1. Relating to a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a sequence of messenger RNA. When antisense DNA or RNA is added to a cell, it binds to a specific messenger RNA molecule and inactivates it.


Etymology

Origin of antisense

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It is how he characterizes Denali’s TransportVehicle architecture, a modular platform it adapts to carry amyloid antibodies, tau gene-silencing antisense oligonucleotides, or the enzymes that treat some rare, but fatal, genetic disorders.

From Barron's Jun. 3, 2026

"Although morpholinos themselves are not an option because of their toxicity, similar strategies, like antisense oligonucleotide therapies already used in other conditions, could potentially be developed for Rett syndrome."

From Science Daily Mar. 6, 2026

The announcement came a week after drugmakers Biogen and Ionis Pharmaceuticals said they are terminating development of BIIB105, an antisense oligonucleotide for ALS that showed disappointing results in an early-stage clinical study.

From Science Magazine May 22, 2024

In 1992, a geneticist at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu used antisense technology to insert a gene that blocks an enzyme in the caffeine-making pathway.

From Slate Jan. 11, 2023

These tensions have increased since the recent death of a child who received a customized antisense drug.

From New York Times Dec. 19, 2022

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training