English Reference

Word

nucleic

Phoneticsnu·cle·ic

US/nuˈkɫeɪɪk/

UK/njuːklˈɪɪk/

Definition

adj. relating to the nucleus of a cell or to the chemical substances that carry genetic information, like DNA and RNA.

adj. relating to the nucleus of a cell or to nucleic acids. Often used in biological contexts to describe the chemical structure or function of genetic material.

Examples

“The scientist studied the nucleic acids in the sample.”

“Researchers are investigating how nucleic acids can be used to repair damaged cells in the human body.”

“The discovery of nucleic acids revolutionized our understanding of heredity, providing the molecular basis for how traits are passed from one generation to the next.”

Examples

simple

“The scientist studied the nucleic acids in the sample.”

contextual

“Researchers are investigating how nucleic acids can be used to repair damaged cells in the human body.”

complex

“The discovery of nucleic acids revolutionized our understanding of heredity, providing the molecular basis for how traits are passed from one generation to the next.”

Real-World Examples

“Their plug-and-play crosslinking technology enables the design of a wide range of hydrogels in which biological molecules, such as proteins, peptides and nucleic acids, can be incorporated under gentle, cell-friendly conditions.”
Phys.org · 21 Aug 2026
“This “ core metabolism ” creates energy and makes key materials for cells, like nucleic acids, amino acids and vitamins.”
Smithsonian Magazine · 5 Aug 2026

Collocations

nucleic acids

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference