quasispecies
/ˈkweɪzʌɪˌspiːʃɪz/ /ˈkwɑːziˌspiːʃɪz/ /ˈkweɪzʌɪˌspiːsɪz/Biology
noun
1A race or type of plant or animal which appears superficially to be a distinct species, or is named by some as though it were such, but is regarded (especially by later workers) as not warranting such status. Also in extended use. Now rare.
2Originally (in models of evolutionary selection): a group of similar but non-identical DNA or RNA molecules, with a distribution centred on a hypothetically ideal sequence, resulting from a balance between mutation and selection pressure. In later use also: a population of viruses with genomic sequences of this nature.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Hewett Watson (1804–1881), botanist and phrenologist. From quasi + species.
- put someone out to pasture
- put someone's eyes out
- put someone's nose out of joint
- put someone's (or have one's) ass in a sling
- put someone/thing on the map
- put someone/thing out of one's mind
- put someone/thing out of their misery
- put someone/thing to flight
- put someone/thing to the test
- put someone through
- put someone through the wringer (or the mangle)
- put someone to
- put someone to bed
- put someone to death
- put someone to shame
- put someone to sleep
- put someone under
- put someone up
- put someone up to
- put something about
- put something across
- put something aside
- put something away
- put something back
- put something behind one