BRCA

noun

either of two genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2 ) that, if inherited in a mutated form, may predispose some carriers to develop breast or ovarian cancer.

Origin of BRCA

¹

1900–95; initialism from br(east) and ca(ncer)

Words Nearby BRCA

Other definitions for B.R.C.A. (2 of 2)

B.R.C.A.

abbreviation

Brotherhood of Railway Carmen of America.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use BRCA in a sentence

In short, Myriad isolated the BRCA genes—snipped them out of the longer DNA chain in which they were ensconced.
The Supremes Get It Right, Naturally. | Sam Kean | June 14, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Myriad could charge whatever price it wanted for the BRCA tests, and kept prices higher by several thousand dollars.
The Supremes Get It Right, Naturally. | Sam Kean | June 14, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
"There is a strong interest in treating BRCA-2 mutant cancers with these agents," Dr. Hruban wrote in an email to me.
Congress' Insult to Randy Pausch's Legacy | Matthew Dallek | July 25, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST

Scientific definitions for BRCA

BRCA

[ bē′är′sē′ā′ ]

One of two genes (designated BRCA1 and BRCA2) that help repair damage to DNA, but when inherited in a defective state increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Browse