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gyrase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C2
UK/ˈdʒaɪ.reɪz/US/ˈdʒaɪ.reɪs/

Technical/Scientific

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Quick answer

What does “gyrase” mean?

An enzyme that introduces negative supercoils into DNA.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

An enzyme that introduces negative supercoils into DNA.

Specifically refers to DNA gyrase, a type II topoisomerase essential for DNA replication, transcription, and recombination by altering the topological state of DNA. In rare non-technical contexts, the verb form can be used archaically to mean 'to turn, whirl, or rotate'.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant spelling or usage differences. It is a standardised international scientific term.

Connotations

None beyond its precise scientific definition.

Frequency

Identically low in both varieties, confined to highly specialised texts.

Grammar

How to Use “gyrase” in a Sentence

gyrase + verb (inhibits, supercoils, cleaves)inhibitor + of + gyrasethe + gyrase + of + organism

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
DNA gyrasebacterial gyrasegyrase inhibitorinhibit gyrase
medium
activity of gyrasesubunit of gyrasegyrase complextarget gyrase
weak
essential gyrasesupercoiling by gyrasegyrase function

Examples

Examples of “gyrase” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The ancient mechanism was designed to gyrase slowly, capturing the sun's energy.

American English

  • (Archaic/Rare) The storyteller described how the planets gyrase around the celestial tree.

adverb

British English

  • No adverbial form.

American English

  • No adverbial form.

adjective

British English

  • No standard adjectival form. Use 'gyrase-related' or 'gyrase activity'.

American English

  • No standard adjectival form. Use 'gyrase-specific' or 'gyrase-dependent'.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Only in the context of pharmaceutical development (e.g., 'Our new antibiotic targets bacterial gyrase.').

Academic

Core term in molecular biology and microbiology research papers and textbooks.

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

Precise term for a specific enzyme class; used in lab protocols, research, and pharmacology.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “gyrase”

Strong

DNA gyrase

Neutral

topoisomerase IIDNA topoisomerase II

Weak

supercoiling enzymebacterial enzyme

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “gyrase”

topoisomerase Irelaxing enzyme

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “gyrase”

  • Mispronouncing as /ˈgɪə.reɪz/ (hard 'g').
  • Using it as a general synonym for 'rotate'.
  • Confusing 'gyrase' (noun, enzyme) with 'gyrate' (verb, to move in a circle).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a highly specialised scientific term used almost exclusively in molecular biology and related fields.

No. The correct verb for that meaning is 'gyrate'. 'Gyrase' as a verb is archaic and extremely rare.

DNA gyrase is a specific *type* of topoisomerase (Type II) found in bacteria that can introduce negative supercoils. Topoisomerase is the general class of enzymes.

Because it is essential for bacterial DNA replication and is not found in human cells, making it an ideal target for antibiotics with selective toxicity.

An enzyme that introduces negative supercoils into DNA.

Gyrase is usually technical/scientific in register.

Gyrase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒaɪ.reɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒaɪ.reɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “None. The word is non-idiomatic.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'DNA needs to GYRate and twiSt, so it uses GYRASE.'

Conceptual Metaphor

ENZYME AS TOOL/MACHINE (e.g., 'DNA gyrase works like a molecular spool to wind and unwind DNA.')

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The antibiotic's primary mechanism of action is to inhibit bacterial , thus preventing DNA supercoiling.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of DNA gyrase?