| genetic code | <molecular biology> Relationship between the sequence of bases in nucleic acid and the order of amino acids in the polypeptide synthesised from it. A sequence of three nucleic acid bases (a triplet) acts as a codeword (codon) for one amino acid. (18 Nov 1997) |
|---|---|
| code | The genetic code is the correspondence between the triplet of bases in DNA with the amino acids. The discovery of the genetic code clearly ranks as one of the premiere events of what has been called the Golden Age of Biology (and Medicine). (12 Dec 1998) |
| soundex code | A sequence of letters used for recording names phonetically, especially in record linkage. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Strickland code | <zoology> A code of nomenclature for taxonomic classification prepared by a committee of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, first published in 1842. (09 Jan 1998) |
| degenerate code | <molecular biology> The fact that in most cases in the genetic code used by all life on Earth, one particular amino acid is specified by more than one three-base combination of the four nitrogenous bases (called a codon). There are enough different codons to specify 64 different amino acids, but there are in actuality only 20 amino acids (and three stop codons) used in the making of proteins. (09 Oct 1997) |
| International Code of Zoological Nomenclature | <zoology> An Authoritative document containing a system of rules and recommendations to be followed in giving a scientific name to an animal or animal group. Adopted by the International Congresses of Zoology and Administered by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. The most recent version of the Code, adopted in principle by the 20th General Assembly of the International Union of Biological Sciences at Helsinki in 1979, was approved by the ICZN late in 1983. With minor exceptions it retains the same format as the first two editions. Minor amendments for immediate incorporation are published in Bulletin Zoological Nomenclature as Declarations to remain in force until ratified or rejected by future congresses. (09 Jan 1998) |
| uniform mechanical code | (UMC) A code sponsored by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and the International Conference of Building Officials, adopted and amended by the Oregon Department of Commerce. The UMC contains requirements for the installation and maintenance of heating, ventilating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. (05 Dec 1998) |
| universal | 1. Of or pertaining to the universe; extending to, including, or affecting, the whole number, quantity, or space; unlimited; general; all-reaching; all-pervading; as, universal ruin; universal good; universal benevolence or benefice. "Anointed universal King." "The universal cause Acts not by partial, but by general laws." (Pope) "This universal frame began." (Dryden) Universal and its derivatives are used in common discourse for general and its derivatives. See General. 2. Constituting or considered as a whole; total; entire; whole; as, the universal world. "At which the universal host up dent A shout that tore Hell's concave." (Milton) 3. <mechanics> Adapted or adaptable to all or to various uses, shapes, sizes, etc.; as, a universal milling machine. 4. <logic> Forming the whole of a genus; relatively unlimited in extension; affirmed or denied of the whole of a subject; as, a universal proposition; opposed to particular; e. G. (universal affirmative) All men are animals; (universal negative) No men are omniscient. 5. Universal dial, a dial by which the hour may be found in any part of the world, or under any elevation of the pole. 6. <astronomy> Universal instrument, a contrivance used for joining two shafts or parts of a machine endwise, so that the one may give rotary motion to the other when forming an angle with it, or may move freely in all directions with respect to the other, as by means of a cross connecting the forked ends of the two shafts. Since this joint can not act when the angle of the shafts is less than 140 deg, a double joint of the same kind is sometimes used for giving rotary motion at angles less than 140 deg. 7. <botany> Universal umbel, a primary or general umbel; the first or largest set of rays in a compound umbel; opposed to partial umbel. A universal involucre is not unfrequently placed at the foot of a universal umbel. Synonym: General, all, whole, total. Origin: L. Universalis: cf. F. Universel, OF. Also universal. (10 Mar 1998) |
| universal antidote | <pharmacology> A preparation of activated charcoal that can adsorb and therefore neutralise many toxic chemicals. (09 Oct 1997) |
| universal appliance | A combination of the edgewise and ribbon arch appliance techniques, affording precise control of individual teeth in all planes of space. (05 Mar 2000) |
| universal coverage | Health insurance coverage for all persons in a state or country, rather than for some subset of the population. It may extend to the unemployed as well as to the employed; to aliens as well as to citisens; for pre-existing conditions as well as for current illnesses; for mental as well as for physical conditions. (12 Dec 1998) |
| universal donor | In blood grouping, a person belonging to group O; i.e., one whose erythrocytes do not contain either agglutinogen A or B and are, therefore, not agglutinated by plasma containing either of the ordinary isoagglutinins, alpha or beta. (05 Mar 2000) |
| universal gas constant | <radiobiology> R = 8.314 x 10^7 ergs per degree C per mole. (09 Oct 1997) |
| universal infantilism | Dwarfism generally associated with hypogonadism; may be caused by deficient secretion of anterior pituitary hormones. Synonym: Lorain's disease, proportionate infantilism, universal infantilism. (05 Mar 2000) |
| universal instability | <radiobiology> Low-frequency instability resulting from the presence of density gradients perpendicular to the magnetic field lines. An instability of this type is generally localised and usually has a small rate of growth. (09 Oct 1997) |