heteroduplex

noun

het·​ero·​du·​plex ˌhe-tə-rō-ˈdü-ˌpleks How to pronounce heteroduplex (audio)
-ˈdyü-
: a nucleic-acid molecule (such as DNA) composed of two chains with each derived from a different parent molecule
heteroduplex adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heteroduplex was in 1962

Rhymes for heteroduplex

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Browse Nearby Words

heterodromous
heteroduplex
heterodyne
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Cite this Entry

“Heteroduplex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heteroduplex. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

heteroduplex

noun
het·​ero·​du·​plex ˌhet-ə-rō-ˈd(y)ü-ˌpleks How to pronounce heteroduplex (audio)
: a nucleic-acid molecule (as DNA) composed of two chains with each derived from a different parent molecule
heteroduplex adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on heteroduplex

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heteroduplex

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