Plasmid
/ˈplæz.mɪd/noun
A small, usually circular DNA molecule that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA, especially in bacteria.
Did you know?Plasmid is a modern scientific coinage from Greek plasma, meaning “something formed” or “molded,” plus the suffix -id, so its name literally frames it as a shaped biological entity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
plásma (πλάσμα)
“Something molded or formed; a formed thing.”
Late Greek
Greek
plásma + -id
“A coined form built from “formed thing” with a suffix meaning “resembling” or “related to.””
1940s
English
plasmid
“A term created in microbiology for an extra-chromosomal genetic element.”
Modern English
English
plasmid
“A small circular DNA molecule that replicates independently of the main chromosome.”