catenation

noun

cat·​e·​na·​tion ˌka-tə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce catenation (audio)
plural -s
Synonyms of catenationnext
: connection, arrangement, or succession in a regular or connected series (as in a chain): such as
a
: formation in meiosis by chromosomes that have undergone reciprocal translocation, of rings or chains due to the tendency of the homologous portions of chromatin to attain synapsis
b
: linkage between atoms of the same chemical element (as carbon or silicon) compare concatenation

Word History

Etymology

catenate entry 1 + -ion

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Cite this Entry

“Catenation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catenation. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

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