SINE

views updated Jun 27 2018

SINE (short interspersed element) Any of a class of dispersed moderately repetitive DNA found in eukaryotes, consisting of numerous copies (>10⁵) of relatively short (<500 bp) sequences scattered throughout the genome. SINEs are not translated into proteins, occur mostly in introns, and are thought to be degenerate copies of retrotransposons, with unknown function. The most notable example in humans and other primates is the Alu family.

A Dictionary of Biology

sine

views updated May 23 2018

sine / sīn/ • n. Math. the trigonometric function that is equal to the ratio of the side opposite a given angle (in a right triangle) to the hypotenuse.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

sine

views updated Jun 11 2018

sine In a right-angled triangle, ratio of the length of the side opposite an acute angle to the length of the hypotenuse. The sine of angle A is usually abbreviated to sin A.

World Encyclopedia

sine

views updated Jun 08 2018

sine (math.) one of the three trigonometrical functions. XVI. — med. use of L. sinus bend, fold of toga, bosom, used to translate Arab. jaib bosom in this sense.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD