Chiasma definition

kīăzəm
chiasmas chiasmata chiasms
See word origin
Frequency:
(anatomy) A crossing or intersection of two tracts, as of nerves or ligaments.
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(genetics) The point of contact between paired chromatids during meiosis, resulting in a cross-shaped configuration and representing the cytological manifestation of crossing over.
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A crossing or intersection of the optic nerves in the hypothalamus of the brain.
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A point of contact between chromosomes during meiosis where two chromatids interchange corresponding segments.
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Any crosswise function.
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(anatomy) A crossing or intersection of two tracts, as of nerves or ligaments.
noun
0
0
(genetics) The point of contact between paired chromatids during meiosis, resulting in a cross-shaped configuration and representing the cytological manifestation of crossing over.
noun
0
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(anatomy) A crossing of two nerves, ligaments etc.
noun
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(genetics, cytology) The contact point between the two chromatids of a chromosome during meiosis.
noun
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Alternative Forms

Alternative Form of chiasma - chiasm

Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
chiasma
Plural:
chiasmas, chiasmata

Origin of chiasma

  • Greek khīasma cross-piece from khīazein to mark with an X from khei, khī chi (from the letter's shape)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Modern Latin, from Ancient Greek χίασμα (khiasma), from χίαζειν (khiazein, “to mark with the letter chi”).

    From Wiktionary