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supercoil

noun
su·​per·​coil | \ ˈsü-pÉ™r-ËŒkȯi(-É™)l How to pronounce supercoil (audio) \

Definition of supercoil

: a double helix (as of DNA) that has undergone additional twisting in the same direction as or in the opposite direction from the turns in the original helix
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Other Words from supercoil

supercoil verb

Examples of supercoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 In 2008, Levens, the National Cancer Institute biologist, led a team that detected supercoils in human cells, reigniting interest in DNA’s higher-order structure. — Quanta Magazine, "How Strange Twists in DNA Orchestrate Life," 5 Jan. 2016

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

First Known Use of supercoil

1939, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for supercoil

supercoil

noun
su·​per·​coil | \ ˈsü-pÉ™r-ËŒkȯi(É™)l How to pronounce supercoil (audio) \

Medical Definition of supercoil

: a double helix (as of DNA) that has undergone additional twisting in the same direction as or in the opposite direction from the turns in the original helix

— called also superhelix

Other Words from supercoil

supercoil verb

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with supercoil

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