Adjacent Words

chiasma definitions

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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: an intersection or crossing of two tracts in the form of the letter X [syn: chiasma, chiasm, decussation]

Merriam Webster's

noun (plural chiasmata) Etymology: New Latin, X-shaped configuration, from Greek, crosspiece, from chiazein to mark with a chi, from chi (x) Date: 1839 1. an anatomical intersection or decussation — compare optic chiasma 2. a cross-shaped configuration of paired chromatids visible in the diplotene stage of meiotic prophase and considered the cytological equivalent of genetic crossing-over • chiasmatic adjective

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. (pl. chiasmata) Biol. the point at which paired chromosomes remain in contact after crossing over during meiosis. Etymology: mod.L f. Gk chiasma a cross-shaped mark

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Chiasm Chi"asm, Chiasma Chi*as"ma, n. [NL. chiasma, fr. Gr. ? two lines placed crosswise, fr. ? to mark with a [chi].] (Anat.) A commissure; especially, the optic commissure, or crucial union of the optic nerves. -- Chi*as"mal, a..