sticky end

noun Genetics, Biotechnology.

a single-stranded end of DNA or RNA having a nucleotide base sequence complementary to that of another strand, enabling the two strands to be connected by base pairing: produced in the laboratory with the use of restriction enzymes for genetic engineering purposes.

Origin of sticky end

First recorded in 1970–75

Words nearby sticky end

stickweed, stickwork, sticky, sticky blood, sticky bun, sticky end, sticky fingers, sticky note, sticky rice, sticky wicket, sticky willie

British Dictionary definitions for sticky end

sticky end

noun

informal an unpleasant finish or death (esp in the phrase come to or meet a sticky end)