noun
Uncommon
chromosome
KROH-muh-sohm
Chromosome (noun) means a thread-like structure of tightly coiled DNA and protein that carries an organism's genes. Example: “Humans normally have 46 chromosomes in each cell.”
noun
1
A thread-like structure of tightly coiled DNA and protein that carries an organism's genes.
"Humans normally have 46 chromosomes in each cell."
"A mutation on this chromosome can cause the disorder."
How to use chromosome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA structure inside a cell's nucleus that packages up an organism's DNA.
Common pairings
sex chromosome
chromosome pair
chromosome number
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Word forms
- Plural
- chromosomes
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Humans normally have 46 _____ in each cell.
Etymology
From German Chromosom, built from Greek khrôma (\"colour\") + sôma (\"body\"), because the structures show up vividly when stained for viewing under a microscope.
Rhymes for chromosome
See all rhymes for chromosome →Frequently asked questions
What does “chromosome” mean?
The word “chromosome” means a thread-like structure of tightly coiled DNA and protein that carries an organism's genes. In plain terms, a structure inside a cell's nucleus that packages up an organism's DNA.
How do you pronounce “chromosome”?
“Chromosome” is pronounced KROH-muh-sohm (/ˈkɹoʊməˌsoʊm/ in IPA).
How do you use “chromosome” in a sentence?
Here is “chromosome” used in a sentence: “Humans normally have 46 chromosomes in each cell.”
What part of speech is “chromosome”?
“Chromosome” is a noun.
Where does the word “chromosome” come from?
The word “chromosome” comes from German. From German Chromosom, built from Greek khrôma (\"colour\") + sôma (\"body\"), because the structures show up vividly when stained for viewing under a microscope.
Is “chromosome” a common word?
“Chromosome” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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