Antiparallel

adj, noun

adj, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: A line that forms equal angles with two other lines, but in opposite directions.
  • Grammar: antiparallel is listed as adj, noun.
  • Useful contrasts: parallel.
  • Usage evidence: Upon interaction with ss- nucleic acid (NA) targets (deoxyribooligonucleotides (ODNs) or ribooligonucleotides), they form very stable anti-parallel and parallel duplexes [3 ], and the melting temperatures of the antiparallel duplexes are 10 to 15°C higher than those of the parallel duplexes.

How to use "antiparallel"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "antiparallel" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

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  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "antiparallel" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

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Compare nearby meanings

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  • Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "antiparallel" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

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3. Confirm with context

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Final meaning check

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Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A line that forms equal angles with two other lines, but in opposite directions.
Adjective
  1. 1
    (of vectors) Parallel but in opposite directions.; Describing the orientations of the two strands of DNA. not-comparable

    "Upon interaction with ss- nucleic acid (NA) targets (deoxyribooligonucleotides (ODNs) or ribooligonucleotides), they form very stable anti-parallel and parallel duplexes [3 ], and the melting temperatures of the antiparallel duplexes are 10 to 15°C higher than those of the parallel duplexes."

  2. 2
    (of vectors) Parallel but in opposite directions.; Describing two beta strands comprising a protein's secondary structure that are aligned and hydrogen bonded but where the vectors describing the amino- and carboxy-terminal ends of each strand are oriented 180° relative to one another. not-comparable
Adjective
  1. 1
    (especially of vectors) parallel but oppositely directed wordnet

Antonyms

Example

"Upon interaction with ss- nucleic acid (NA) targets (deoxyribooligonucleotides (ODNs) or ribooligonucleotides), they form very stable anti-parallel and parallel duplexes [3 ], and the melting temperatures of the antiparallel duplexes are 10 to 15°C higher than those of the parallel duplexes."

Common questions

What does "antiparallel" mean?

A line that forms equal angles with two other lines, but in opposite directions.

How do you use "antiparallel" in a sentence?

Upon interaction with ss- nucleic acid (NA) targets (deoxyribooligonucleotides (ODNs) or ribooligonucleotides), they form very stable anti-parallel and parallel duplexes [3 ], and the melting temperatures of the antiparallel duplexes are 10 to 15°C higher than those of the parallel duplexes.

Etymology

From anti- + parallel.

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