Codon
//ˈkəʊ.dɒn// noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A handbell used for summoning monks.
- 2 A sequence of three adjacent nucleotides, which encode for a specific amino acid during protein synthesis or translation.
- 3 a specific sequence of three adjacent nucleotides on a strand of DNA or RNA that specifies the genetic code information for synthesizing a particular amino acid wordnet
- 4 The "bell" or flaring mouth of a trumpet.
Example
More examples"The genetic code is a set of instructions in a gene that tells a cell how to make specific proteins, chemicals that are key to an organism's normal development and function. The premature stop codon, which scientists liken to a red stop light, is a mutation that orders cells to stop reading essential genetic instructions part-way through protein synthesis, resulting in an incomplete or shortened protein and potentially serious health consequences."
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Latin codon, from Ancient Greek κώδων (kṓdōn).
Etymology 2
From code + -on.
Related phrases
More for "codon"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.