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plasmid

[ plaz-mid ]
/ ˈplæz mɪd /

noun Microbiology.

a segment of DNA independent of the chromosomes and capable of replication, occurring in bacteria and yeast: used in recombinant DNA procedures to transfer genetic material from one cell to another.

Nearby words

  1. plasmapheresis,
  2. plasmapheretic,
  3. plasmasol,
  4. plasmasphere,
  5. plasmatic,
  6. plasmin,
  7. plasminogen,
  8. plasminogen activator,
  9. plasmo-,
  10. plasmocyte

Origin of plasmid

First recorded in 1950–55; plasm- + -id3
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for plasmid

plasmid

/ (ˈplæzmɪd) /

noun

a small circle of bacterial DNA that is independent of the main bacterial chromosome. Plasmids often contain genes for drug resistances and can be transmitted between bacteria of the same and different species: used in genetic engineering

Word Origin for plasmid

C20: from plasm + -id 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for plasmid

plasmid

n.

1952, from plasma + -id.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for plasmid

plasmid

[ plăz′mĭd ]

n.

A circular, double-stranded unit of DNA that replicates within a cell independently of the chromosomal DNA and is most often found in bacteria; it is used in recombinant DNA research to transfer genes between cells.extrachromosomal element
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for plasmid

plasmid

[ plăz′mĭd ]

A small, circular unit of DNA that replicates within a cell independently of the chromosomal DNA and is most often found in bacteria. Certain plasmids can insert themselves into chromosomes in places where there is a common sequence of nucleotides. Plasmids contain a few genes, which usually code for proteins, especially enzymes, some of which confer resistance to antibiotics. Plasmids are used in recombinant DNA research, especially to transform bacterial cells. See more at transformation.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for plasmid

plasmid

A circular bacterial DNA, sometimes used as a vector for gene insertion or genetic engineering. Plasmids are often the site of genes that code for resistance to antibiotics.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.