1

I have a sentence of the form: "Y can be viewed as containers used to transfer X", where X in my case is genetic information. It feels like this sentence could be simplified to something like "Y can be viewed as a xxxx of X", but I cannot find the proper word. In my particular case, the context is: "male gametes can be viewed simply as containers used to transfer genetic information", and the issue came up when answering a question at Biology-SE.

So, what I'm looking for is a replacement for "containers used to transfer". I've been thinking about using vessel, but dictionaries usually focus on vessel as a container of liquids (e.g. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vessel), beside the obvious meaning of vessel as ship. To me, vessel also feels a bit awkward to use in this case.

  • Can vessel be used in my sentence?
  • Is there another more suitable word to use?
Improve this question
14
  • 2
    What's wrong with simply "container"?
    – Hot Licks
    Mar 19, 2015 at 13:25
  • @HotLicks I considered that, but, to me, that lacks the connotations of motion.
    – fileunderwater
    Mar 19, 2015 at 13:27
  • 2
    @SUMGUY - Make that a "nuclear wessel".
    – Hot Licks
    Mar 19, 2015 at 17:03
  • 3
    Could you give the entire sentence? What is X here? That can completely change the wording. Also, please clarify the context in which you want to use the term you are searching for.
    – terdon
    Mar 20, 2015 at 15:41
  • 1
    When discussing anything having to do with anatomy, "vessel" should be avoided unless it's talking about a blood vessel or some similar structure. Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong withe "containers used to transfer" -- I don't see why you're so resistant to that. Are you being charged by the letter or something?
    – Hot Licks
    Mar 22, 2015 at 13:50

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
2

I can't really tell without more context, but presumably you are referring to some sort of sequence element. If so, you could use carrier:

Y can be viewed as carriers of genetic information.

Alternatively, you could rephrase. Something like

Y encode genetic information.

Or, simply, if these are genes:

Y codes for X.

Improve this answer
6

Usage of the word 'Vehicle', or 'Carton' may serve the purpose.

Improve this answer
1
  • 2
    +1 for vehicle. especially if this is something machine-like happening at the molecular or cellular level, such as the activity of amino acids within cells.
    – Erich
    Mar 20, 2015 at 12:17
1

Maybe the word you're looking for is conveyor or transporter.
The Free Dictionary - Conveyor

Improve this answer
3
  • 1
    Depends where you live - 'carrier' would be the word of choice in the UK, rather than conveyor (which, here, suggests a moving belt of some sort).
    – bamboo
    Mar 22, 2015 at 14:02
  • @bamboo A conveyor of information hardly suggests a moving belt.
    – Janus Bahs Jacquet
    Mar 22, 2015 at 14:38
  • @JanusBahsJacquet as I said, 'carrier' would be the UK word of choice - doesn't mean it would be in other places though.
    – bamboo
    Mar 22, 2015 at 14:40
1

I would rearrange the sentence, placing X before Y. This isn't a solution to your word request, but it flows better.

Ex. X is/are transferred within Y.

Improve this answer
1
  • if it's not an answer, better to put this in comments.
    – Erich
    Mar 19, 2015 at 23:23

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.