amplicon

noun

am·​pli·​con ˈam-plə-ˌkän How to pronounce amplicon (audio)
plural amplicons
genetics
: a segment of chromosomal DNA that undergoes amplification and contains replicated genetic material
After PCR, the amplicon is captured by hybridization to a specific oligonucleotide probe, which increases the overall specificity of the test.—Benjamin T. Davis et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 19 Jan. 2006

Word History

Etymology

ampli(fy) (in cloning-amplifying vector) + -icon (as in replicon)

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amplicon was in 1982

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Dictionary Entries Near amplicon

ampliative inference

amplicon

amplidyne

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Amplicon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amplicon. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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