CRISPR
Pronunciation: KRIS-per
Also written as: CRISPR — Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats
A family of DNA sequences in prokaryotes that form the basis of the CRISPR-Cas genome-editing system. In editorial contexts, always rendered in full capitals.
Full Definition
CRISPR refers to clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats—natural DNA sequences found in bacteria that serve as a molecular memory of past viral infections. In biotechnology, the term is widely used as shorthand for the CRISPR-Cas genome-editing platform. Editors must render it in full capitals (CRISPR) at all times, never as 'Crispr' or 'crispr'. When used as a modifier, no hyphen is required before a noun (e.g., CRISPR technology, CRISPR screen). Distinguish from the broader CRISPR-Cas system, which includes both the RNA guide and the Cas nuclease.
Usage
Usage note: Always fully capitalised. Never written as 'Crispr'. As an attributive modifier, no hyphen needed: 'CRISPR editing', not 'CRISPR-editing'.
In Context
- "The manuscript incorrectly lowercased 'crispr' throughout; all instances were corrected to 'CRISPR'." — Proofreading note
- "CRISPR technology has transformed the landscape of functional genomics research." — Review article abstract