Chiasma Definition

kī-ăzmə
chiasmas, chiasmata, chiasms
noun
A crossing or intersection of the optic nerves in the hypothalamus of the brain.
Webster's New World
A point of contact between chromosomes during meiosis where two chromatids interchange corresponding segments.
Webster's New World
Any crosswise function.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Chiasma

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

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