microsatellite

noun

mi·​cro·​sat·​el·​lite ˌmī-krō-ˈsa-tə-ˌlīt How to pronounce microsatellite (audio)
: any of numerous short segments of DNA that are distributed throughout the genome, that consist of repeated sequences of usually two to five nucleotides, and that tend to vary from one individual to another

Examples of microsatellite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The link connected ground stations at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Beijing and Stellenbosch University in South Africa, by way of a quantum microsatellite named Jinan-1. Michael Irving, New Atlas, 27 Mar. 2025 Short, repeating segments of DNA known as microsatellites were used to test the relatedness of the parents. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2023 The problem is that microsatellites often give inaccurate estimates of which individuals are most and least related. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2023 Measuring several microsatellites creates a DNA fingerprint that is rare, if not unique. Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for microsatellite

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microsatellite was in 1989

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Cite this Entry

“Microsatellite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microsatellite. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

microsatellite

noun
mi·​cro·​sat·​el·​lite -ˈsat-ᵊl-ˌīt How to pronounce microsatellite (audio)
: any of numerous short segments of DNA that are distributed throughout the genome, that consist of repeated sequences of usually two to five nucleotides, and that are often useful markers in studies of genetic linkage because they tend to vary from one individual to another compare minisatellite
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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