nonstructural
adjective
non·struc·tur·al ˌnän-ˈstrək-chə-rəl 
-ˈstrək-shrəl
1
: not part of a structure : not relating to, affecting, or contributing to the structure of something
free-standing panels and other nonstructural elements
nonstructural movable parts
2
of a viral protein : expressed in an infected cell but not incorporated into the virion particle
nonstructural proteins
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Here, the nonstructural proteins help with viral replication by regulating transcription and impairing host defenses. 
William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 2 May 2022 In October 2020, researchers discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 5 (NSP5), like many other of its viral proteins, suppresses innate immunity. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2022 As the main protease, NSP5 drives the enzymatic processes necessary for the virus to reproduce itself, chewing up chunkier polyproteins into discrete nonstructural proteins that assist in the virus’ program of immune suppression. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2022 The other is an endonuclease, nonstructural protein 15 (NSP15). William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2021 According to a study published in April 2020, mutations identified in the nonstructural protein NSP6 and open reading frame Orf10 likely prevent autophagosomes from delivering material to the lysosome. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2021 This leaves mutations in nonstructural proteins, 3’ structural proteins, and 3’ regulatory (accessory) proteins relatively uninvestigated, despite playing a significant role in host immune suppression and pathogenesis. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021 Viewed in terms of the entire viral genome, this enzyme consists of three nonstructural proteins: nsp7, nsp8, and nsp12. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 5 May 2021 The agency's proposal includes a floating breakwater offshore and some nonstructural measures, such as raising homes not situated behind the sea wall. Michelle Liu, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Nov. 2020 See More
William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 2 May 2022 In October 2020, researchers discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 5 (NSP5), like many other of its viral proteins, suppresses innate immunity. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2022 As the main protease, NSP5 drives the enzymatic processes necessary for the virus to reproduce itself, chewing up chunkier polyproteins into discrete nonstructural proteins that assist in the virus’ program of immune suppression. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2022 The other is an endonuclease, nonstructural protein 15 (NSP15). William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2021 According to a study published in April 2020, mutations identified in the nonstructural protein NSP6 and open reading frame Orf10 likely prevent autophagosomes from delivering material to the lysosome. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2021 This leaves mutations in nonstructural proteins, 3’ structural proteins, and 3’ regulatory (accessory) proteins relatively uninvestigated, despite playing a significant role in host immune suppression and pathogenesis. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021 Viewed in terms of the entire viral genome, this enzyme consists of three nonstructural proteins: nsp7, nsp8, and nsp12. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 5 May 2021 The agency's proposal includes a floating breakwater offshore and some nonstructural measures, such as raising homes not situated behind the sea wall. Michelle Liu, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Nov. 2020 See More Word History
First Known Use
1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1