nucleoid

n.
The part of a bacterium or virus that contains nucleic acid and is analogous in function to the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell.

(nū'klē-oid', nyū'-)
n.

1. See nucleus (sense ).
2. See nuclear inclusion body.

adj.

Resembling a nucleolus.

1. resembling a nucleus.
2. a nucleus-like body sometimes seen in the center of an erythrocyte.
3. the genetic material (nucleic acid) of a rickettsia, chlamydia and some viruses, e.g. poxviruses, situated in the center of the microorganism.