BRCA

noun

ˌbē-(ˌ)är-(ˌ)sē-ˈā How to pronounce BRCA (audio)
ˈbra-kə
: either of two tumor suppressor genes that in mutated form tend to be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers and especially breast and ovarian cancers
—often used before another noun
BRCA genes
a BRCA mutation

Examples of BRCA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bonds, who carries the BRCA gene, remembers going to a waiting room and being handed a beeper that would alert her when a doctor was ready. — Eileen Finan, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Statistics show that among the general population, 1 in 400 women carry the BRCA mutations. — Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, those with a BRCA mutation have a 45-85% chance of developing breast cancer at some point in their life. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 15 May 2026 About two years ago, I was diagnosed with the BRCA gene. — Terry Terrones, HollywoodReporter, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for BRCA

Word History

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of BRCA was in 1992

Rhymes for BRCA

See All Rhymes for BRCA

Browse Nearby Words

brb
BRCA
brd
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Cite this Entry

“BRCA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/BRCA. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

BRCA

noun
ˌbē-(ˌ)är-(ˌ)sē-ˈā How to pronounce BRCA (audio)
: either of two tumor suppressor genes that in mutated form tend to be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers and especially breast and ovarian cancers
—often used before another noun
BRCA genes
a BRCA mutation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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