: a polymerase of viruses that promotes synthesis of a particular RNA in the presence of a template of RNA
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebProtease inhibitors prevent the virus’ replication machinery from being unpacked and assembled, and replicase inhibitors jam the machinery so it cannot be used. Mary Hui, Quartz, 6 July 2022
Word History
Etymology
replic(ate) entry 1 or replic(ation) + -ase
First Known Use
1962, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
replicase
noun
rep·li·case ˈrep-li-ˌkās, -ˌkāz
: a polymerase that promotes synthesis of a particular RNA in the presence of a template of RNA