: having a sequence complementary to a segment of genetic material
specifically: of, being, relating to, or possessing a sequence of DNA or RNA that is complementary to and pairs with a specific messenger RNA blocking it from being translated into protein and serving to inhibit gene function
antisense drug therapy
antisense RNA
compare missense, nonsense
Word History
Etymology
anti- + nonsense
First Known Use
1977, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
antisense
adjective
an·ti·sense ˈan-ˌtī-ˌsens, ˈan-ti-
: having a sequence complementary to a segment of genetic material
specifically: of, being, relating to, or possessing a sequence of DNA or RNA that is complementary to and pairs with a specific messenger RNA blocking it from being translated into protein and serving to inhibit gene function
antisense RNA
antisense drug therapy to inhibit malignant cell proliferation