crispr: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to Medium (Specialised/Technical)Technical/Scientific, Academic
Quick answer
What does “crispr” mean?
A family of DNA sequences found in bacteria and archaea, forming the basis for a powerful genome-editing technology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A family of DNA sequences found in bacteria and archaea, forming the basis for a powerful genome-editing technology.
The complete gene-editing system (CRISPR-Cas9) that allows scientists to precisely alter DNA sequences and modify gene function. By extension, it refers to the broader field of precise genetic engineering.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation may differ slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. Perceived slightly more as a 'breakthrough' term in popular American science media.
Frequency
Similar frequency in relevant academic/technical contexts. Slightly higher public awareness in US due to media coverage of biotech firms.
Grammar
How to Use “crispr” in a Sentence
CRISPR is used to (edit genes)Scientists employ CRISPR for (precise modifications)The development of (CRISPR-based) therapiesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crispr” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team plans to CRISPR the faulty gene in the mouse model.
American English
- They CRISPR'd the genome to introduce the mutation.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no adverbial use.)
American English
- (Not standard; no adverbial use.)
adjective
British English
- The CRISPR-based treatment showed promising efficacy.
American English
- CRISPR technology is at the forefront of biomedicine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In biotech venture capital and pharmaceutical R&D discussions: 'The startup secured funding for its CRISPR platform.'
Academic
In scientific papers and lectures: 'The study utilized CRISPR to knockout the target gene.'
Everyday
Rare. In popular science news: 'They say CRISPR could cure genetic diseases.'
Technical
Precise lab context: 'The guide RNA for the CRISPR construct was designed against exon 2.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crispr”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crispr”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crispr”
- Using it as a verb in formal writing ('they CRISPRed the cell').
- Misspelling as 'crisper'.
- Omitting the hyphen in 'CRISPR-Cas9'.
- Assuming it's a general term for any genetic engineering.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.
Formally, it is a noun (an acronym). Informally, especially in lab slang, it is sometimes used as a verb (e.g., 'to CRISPR a gene'), but this is not standard in formal writing.
CRISPR refers to the DNA sequences found in bacteria. CRISPR-Cas9 is the specific, most widely used system that includes the Cas9 protein, which acts as molecular scissors guided by RNA.
Yes, but with significant ethical and regulatory constraints. It is primarily used in research and clinical trials for somatic (non-heritable) cell therapies. Heritable editing is highly controversial and largely prohibited.
A family of DNA sequences found in bacteria and archaea, forming the basis for a powerful genome-editing technology.
Crispr is usually technical/scientific, academic in register.
Crispr: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪspə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɪspər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to rewrite the code of life (associated concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CRISPR: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. Think of a 'crisp' pair of molecular scissors making neat, precise cuts in DNA.
Conceptual Metaphor
DNA is a text or code; CRISPR is a precision editing tool (scissors, word processor, 'find-and-replace' function).
Practice
Quiz
What does the 'R' in CRISPR stand for?