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supercoil

noun
su·​per·​coil | \ ˈsü-pər-ˌkȯi(-ə)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

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-pər-ˌkȯi(ə)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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