chiasma

One entry found for chiasma.

Main Entry: chi·as·ma
Pronunciation: kI-'az-m&, kE-
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural chi·as·ma·ta /-m&-t&/
Etymology: New Latin, X-shaped configuration, from Greek, crosspiece, from chiazein to mark with a chi, from chi (x)
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
- chi·as·mat·ic /"kI-&z-'ma-tik, "kE-/ adjective