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nucleocapsid

American  
[noo-klee-uh-kap-sid, nyoo-] / ˌnu kli əˈkæp sɪd, ˌnju- /

noun

Microbiology.
  1. the nucleic acid core and surrounding capsid of a virus; the basic viral structure.


Etymology

Origin of nucleocapsid

First recorded in 1960–65; nucleo- + capsid 1

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:

The nucleocapsid protein is far and away the most abundant protein in the virus.

From Salon Oct. 9, 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibody test will specifically look for prior infection.

From Washington Post Jan. 26, 2023

The second target of the experimental vaccine is the nucleocapsid protein, or N. It’s situated in the virus’ core and has little reason to change.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 14, 2022

Typically rapid tests target a part of the virus called the nucleocapsid, a protein that envelopes the RNA of the virus, and doesn’t change much between variants.

From Slate Jul. 14, 2022

Many of them look for nucleocapsid or “N” proteins, which are abundant in infected cells and form a protective capsule around the virus’s genetic material.

From Seattle Times Feb. 2, 2022

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