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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Discover More

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

Example Sentences

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

For viruses, the most common diagnostic tool is a PCR test.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2025

"The trouble with PCR is that you have to think of the viruses that might be causing an infection and do a separate test for each and every one," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2025

“If a person has a laboratory-based PCR test done for influenza and an influenza A virus is detected, the virus is subtyped to determine if it is an H1 or H3 or untypeable.”

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2025

In early 1948 the PCR merged with one wing of the Social Democratic Party to form the Romanian Workers' Party.

From Area Handbook for Romania by Bernier, Donald W.