repressor

noun

re·​pres·​sor ri-ˈpre-sər How to pronounce repressor (audio)
: one that represses
especially : a protein that is determined by a regulatory gene, binds to a genetic operator, and inhibits the initiation of transcription of messenger RNA

Examples of repressor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And each of those repressors can specifically repress the next repressor in the circuit. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 8 Mar. 2023 In their construction, the first gene produced a repressor protein, LacI, which would shut off the second gene, called tetR, whose product would shut off the third gene, cI, whose product would shut off the first gene. Adam Mann, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2020 Once all the cells in the plant have turned off their repressor gene, buds begin to form, usually just in time for the spring heat to spur new growth. Jonathan Kauffman, Bon Appétit, 13 Apr. 2022 Netanyahu is on trial for corruption and heads a state that is widely seen as a repressor of Palestinian rights. Tracy Wilkinson Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2021 The researchers enhanced this silencing effect by hitching Cas9 to a repressor, another protein that inhibits gene expression. Kelly Servick, Science | AAAS, 10 Mar. 2021 But no one had identified a full activator-repressor system involved in periodic pigmentation patterns. Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 29 Aug. 2019 The cycle at the center of it—from gene activators to repressors and back—is highly regulated. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 2 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repressor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of repressor was in 1584

Dictionary Entries Near repressor

Cite this Entry

“Repressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repressor. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

repressor

noun
re·​pres·​sor ri-ˈpres-ər How to pronounce repressor (audio)
: one that represses
especially : a protein that keeps a special region of a chromosome from acting to start the manufacture of messenger RNA

Medical Definition

repressor

noun
re·​pres·​sor ri-ˈpres-ər How to pronounce repressor (audio)
: one that represses
especially : a protein that is determined by a regulatory gene, binds to a genetic operator, and inhibits the initiation of transcription of messenger RNA

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