sticky end

American  

noun

Genetics, Biotechnology.

1. a single-stranded end of DNA or RNA having a nucleotide base sequence complementary to that of another strand, enabling the two strands to be connected by base pairing: produced in the laboratory with the use of restriction enzymes for genetic engineering purposes.

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sticky end British  

noun

1. informal an unpleasant finish or death (esp in the phrase come to or meet a sticky end )

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Etymology

Origin of sticky end

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Because this is not the first time a Melania Trump tribute has met a sticky end in Sevnica.

From BBC • May 16, 2025

I am also concerned that a very large dog with very bad to no training is going to come to a sticky end, through no fault of his own.

From Slate • Jul. 6, 2020

The Licensed to Ill era came to a sticky end in 1987, with all three of the Beasties unhappy and barely speaking to one another.

From The Guardian • Oct. 21, 2018

She will next be seen on the silver screen playing a “very nice English nanny” who meets a sticky end in 2018’s “Jurassic World.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2018

DELPHI: She used to say it was crying because it could see I was going to come to a sticky end.

From "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by J.K. Rowling