nucleosome

noun

: any of the repeating globular subunits of chromatin that consist of a complex of DNA and histone

Examples of nucleosome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Chromatin is built when DNA winds around millions of spool-like protein structures called nucleosomes. Quanta Magazine, 25 Feb. 2015

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nucleosome was in 1962

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nucleosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nucleosome. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

nucleosome

noun
: any of the repeating globular subunits of chromatin that consist of a complex of DNA and histone and are thought to be present only during interphase

More from Merriam-Webster on nucleosome

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!