antisense

American

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

adjective

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- /

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.

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

Similarly, a different antisense oligonucleotide linked to BCC10 greatly reduced another gene, Mapt, which encodes the tau protein and is a target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

From Science Daily • Nov. 25, 2024

Ultimately, antisense might be used in commercial operations to prevent maturation without genetically modifying the fish.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 9, 2023

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

The Schenkels raised more than $1 million; started a foundation, the Valeria Association; and moved to Massachusetts to support Dr. Yu’s efforts to make an antisense drug to shut down Valeria’s flawed gene.

From New York Times • Oct. 26, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023