replicase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency (C2/technical/professional)Highly technical/specialized; used almost exclusively in virology, molecular biology, and related scientific fields.
Quick answer
What does “replicase” mean?
An enzyme that catalyzes the replication of RNA or DNA, typically in the context of viruses.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An enzyme that catalyzes the replication of RNA or DNA, typically in the context of viruses.
Specifically refers to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase used by RNA viruses to replicate their genetic material; sometimes used more broadly for viral replication enzymes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English. Both use the term identically in scientific literature.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to specialized scientific discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “replicase” in a Sentence
The virus encodes a replicase.Replicase activity was measured.The replicase synthesizes RNA.Researchers targeted the viral replicase.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “replicase” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No standard verb form.)
American English
- (No standard verb form.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form.)
American English
- (No standard adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- The replicase gene was mutated.
- Replicase activity is essential.
American English
- The replicase complex was purified.
- Replicase function was impaired.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in virology, microbiology, and molecular biology research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in virology for describing viral replication mechanisms and drug targets.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “replicase”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “replicase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “replicase”
- Using 'replicase' to refer to host cell DNA polymerases.
- Mispronouncing the final syllable as '-ace' (like 'face') instead of '-aze' (like 'phrase').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Transcriptase (like reverse transcriptase) makes a DNA copy from an RNA template. Replicase makes an RNA copy from an RNA template.
Typically no. DNA viruses use DNA polymerases. The term 'replicase' is strongly associated with RNA viruses, though it is occasionally used more broadly.
No. It is strictly a noun referring to the enzyme.
A replicase is encoded by a virus for its own replication, often with lower fidelity. Host polymerases are the cell's own enzymes for replicating its genome.
An enzyme that catalyzes the replication of RNA or DNA, typically in the context of viruses.
Replicase is usually highly technical/specialized; used almost exclusively in virology, molecular biology, and related scientific fields. in register.
Replicase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛplɪkeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛplɪˌkeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no common idioms; technical term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REPLICase REPLICates the viral RNA.
Conceptual Metaphor
The 'copying machine' or 'factory' of the virus.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a replicase?