# polymerase

/ˈpɑˌɫɪmɝˌeɪs/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polymerase
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a special type of enzyme that helps copy DNA or RNA. It builds long chains of molecules by adding one piece at a time.

For teachers: an enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of DNA or RNA by adding nucleotide subunits to a growing chain. It plays a central role in DNA replication and transcription.

## Examples

- The polymerase copies the DNA strand during cell division.
- During the polymerase chain reaction, the enzyme amplifies a specific DNA sequence by doubling it many times.
- The fidelity of the polymerase determines the accuracy of genetic information passed from one generation to the next, as it corrects errors during the replication process.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.