: a protein similar to avidin that is produced by a bacterium of the genus Streptomyces (S. avidinii), has four identical subunits that each bind tightly to a molecule of biotin, and is used especially in the detection of molecules (as nucleic acids or antibodies) linked to a biotin label

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Streptavidin.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/streptavidin. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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