plasmid

noun/ˈplæzmɪd/

Frequency rank: #17,469 most common English word

Meaning

A small, circular DNA molecule found in bacteria that replicates independently of chromosomal DNA, often used in genetic engineering.

Illustration for the English word “plasmid”

Example sentence

The researchers inserted the gene into plasmid DNA and introduced it into bacterial cells.

Synonyms & related words

Practice this word in the quiz

More words in ranks 17,401–17,500