1 histone | Definition of histone
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histone

noun
his·​tone | \ ˈhi-ˌstōn How to pronounce histone (audio) \

Definition of histone

: any of various simple water-soluble proteins that are rich in the basic amino acids lysine and arginine and are complexed with DNA in the nucleosomes of eukaryotic chromatin

Examples of histone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 In the nucleus, DNA is bound to proteins called histones to make a complex called chromatin, which in turn forms chromosomes. — Bradley J. Fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Salk Institute, UCSD scientists decode DNA's 3D shape," 27 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'histone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of histone

1885, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for histone

German Histon

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More Definitions for histone

histone

noun
his·​tone | \ ˈhis-ˌtōn How to pronounce histone (audio) \

Medical Definition of histone

: any of various simple water-soluble proteins that are rich in the basic amino acids lysine and arginine and are complexed with DNA in the nucleosomes of eukaryotic chromatin

More from Merriam-Webster on histone

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about histone

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