PCR

British  

abbreviation

1. polymerase chain reaction: a technique for rapidly producing many copies of a fragment of DNA for diagnostic or research purposes

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PCR Cultural  

1. A laboratory technique that can amplify the amount of DNA from a tiny sample to a large amount within just a few hours. Theoretically, PCR can take one molecule and produce measurable amounts of identical DNA in a short period of time. It is used in DNA fingerprinting and DNA sequencing.

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An enzyme used in this process was originally found in bacteria in hot springs.

Example Sentences

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PCR

As of Tuesday, there have been 11 suspected illnesses, nine of which have been confirmed with PCR tests.

From MarketWatch ● May 12, 2026

One of 17 American citizens repatriated from the ship tested "mildly PCR positive" for the virus while another had "mild symptoms", the US Department of Health and Human Services said on May 10.

From Barron's ● May 11, 2026

If that test is positive, a follow-up PCR test checks for viral RNA to confirm an active infection.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 11, 2025

At-home tests should still work to detect this variant, but PCR tests that doctors can order are more accurate.

From Salon ● Jun. 11, 2025

At the 1969 party congress it was announced that the PCR had 1,924,500 members, representing about one-seventh of the total adult population.

From Area Handbook for Romania by Bernier, Donald W.