synapses

Variant of synapsis

synapsis definition

syn·ap·sis (si nap′sis)

noun pl. synapses -·ses′ (-sēz′)

  1. Genetics the association side by side of homologous maternal and paternal paired chromosomes in the early stages of meiosis
  2. Physiol. synapse

Etymology: ModL < Gr, junction, connection < syn-, together + apsis, a joining < haptein, to join

Related Forms:

  • synaptic syn·ap′·tic (-tik) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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