chimerism

noun

chi·​me·​rism kī-ˈmir-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce chimerism (audio)
kə-;
ˈkī-mə-ˌri-
: the state of being a genetic chimera

Examples of chimerism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Borrowing from the Greeks, scientists call this condition chimerism. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 But chimerism can also occur artificially with an organ or bone marrow transplant. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023 This created a state called mixed chimerism, where donor and receiver immune cells were combined in the recipient’s body. Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 3 Nov. 2023 These ants aren’t the only animals to be chimeras—mice, rabbits, cats and even humans have chimerism in some cases. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Apr. 2023 The ants display a genetic condition called chimerism, named for the mythical chimera that has body parts from various creatures. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Apr. 2023 But there are species where chimerism is far more common. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 21 Apr. 2011 Though chimera cats are rare, chimerism can be hereditary, according to Healthline. Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE.com, 29 Oct. 2021 These results may help to better understand early human development and primate evolution and develop strategies to improve human chimerism in evolutionarily distant species. Mike Wehner, BGR, 15 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chimerism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chimerism was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near chimerism

Cite this Entry

“Chimerism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chimerism. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

chimerism

noun
: the state of being a genetic chimera
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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