chiasma
noun pl. chiasmata
- a crossing or intersection of the optic nerves in the hypothalamus of the brain
- a point of contact between chromosomes during meiosis where two chromatids interchange corresponding segments
- any crosswise function
See chiasma in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(kī-ăzˈmə) also chi·asm (kīˈăzˌəm)
noun pl. chi·as·ma·ta (-mə-tə) or
chi·as·mas also
chi·asms - Anatomy A crossing or intersection of two tracts, as of nerves or ligaments.
- Genetics The point of contact between paired chromatids during meiosis, resulting in a cross-shaped configuration and representing the cytological manifestation of crossing over.
Related Forms:
- chi·asˈmal, chi·asˈmic, chiˌas·matˈic (-mătˈĭk) adjective
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