chromosome

English

An illustration of chromosome, with its parts. (1) Chromatid. One of the two identical parts of the chromosome after S phase. (2) Centromere. The point where the two chromatids touch, and where the microtubules attach. (3) Short arm (4) Long arm.

Etymology

19th century: from German Chromosom, ultimately from Ancient Greek χρῶμα (khrôma, “colour”) + σῶμα (sôma, “body”) (because they are stained under the microscope).

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈkɹəʊ.məˌsəʊm/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈkɹoʊməˌsoʊm/, /ˈkɹoʊməˌzoʊm/
  • Audio (UK)(file)
  • Audio (US)(file)

Noun

chromosome (plural chromosomes)

  1. (cytology, genetics) A structure in the cell nucleus that contains DNA, histone protein, and other structural proteins.
    Chromosomes store genetic information.

Derived terms

Translations

Further reading

  • chromosome in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • chromosome in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
  • chromosome at OneLook Dictionary Search

French

Etymology

19th century: chromo- +‎ -some, from German Chromosom, ultimately from Ancient Greek χρῶμα (khrôma, “colour”) + σῶμα (sôma, “body”) (because they are stained under the microscope).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /kʁɔ.mo.zom/
  • Homophone: chromosomes
  • Hyphenation: chro‧mo‧some

Noun

chromosome m (plural chromosomes)

  1. (biology, cytology) chromosome

Hyponyms

Meronyms

Holonyms

Derived terms

Further reading

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