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microsatellite

microsatellite

1 6.7
A very small artificial satellite that observes Earth from space
  • noun
  • /ˌmaɪkroʊˈsætəˌlaɪt/
  • Specialized
: microsatélite
  • The microsatellite launched successfully into orbit.

Examples

  • The study identified several microsatellite markers linked to inherited diseases.

  • A microsatellite can be launched to observe weather patterns from space.

  • Researchers use microsatellites to track genetic variation in animal populations.

  • Researchers are studying microsatellites for genetic markers.

  • The research team launched a microsatellite to monitor changes in the Earth's climate.

  • Scientists are using a new microsatellite to study the effects of radiation on small organisms.

  • To gather vital data on weather patterns, they developed a microsatellite that orbits the planet at a low altitude.

Synonyms

satellite
vsmicrosatellite
  • Specialized
694 3.5

An artificial object placed in orbit to send information or gather data from space

is much smaller and often used in genetic studies
genetic marker
vsmicrosatellite
  • Specialized
9 4.3

A small piece of DNA on a chromosome that scientists use to identify people and follow traits in families

is a short repeating DNA segment rather than any identifiable gene sequence
artificial satellite
vsmicrosatellite
  • Specialized
2 3.7

A man-made object put into space that goes around Earth, the Moon, or another body

is much smaller than that type of orbiting object

Surface Forms

Morphology

microsatellite = satellite (transparent) = micro + satellite

The meaning 'very small satellite' is directly compositional from 'micro' + 'satellite' and should be recoverable for a B1 learner.

Etymology

Microsatellite joins micro- 'small' and satellite 'something that goes around or stays near something larger'. So the word fits both a very small artificial satellite that orbits Earth and, by the same idea, a short repeating DNA sequence that stays near a gene and helps scientists track differences.