Main Entry: chi·as·ma

Pronunciation: \kī-ˈaz-mə, kē-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural chi·as·ma·ta \-mə-tə\

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

— chi·as·mat·ic \ˌkī-əz-ˈma-tik, ˌkē-\ adjective