chromosome
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.”
How to Use Chromosome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA structure inside a cell's nucleus that packages up an organism's DNA.
Word Forms
chromosomes plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
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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