centromere

noun cen·tro·mere \ ˈsen-trə-ˌmir \

|Updated on: 4 May 2018

Definition of centromere

: the point or region on a chromosome to which the spindle (see ¹spindle 2) attaches during mitosis and meiosis

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centromeric

play \ˌsen-trə-ˈmir-ik, -ˈmer-\ adjective

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Recent Examples of centromere from the Web

Still, blank spots remain at the ends of chromosomes (called telomeres), as well as at the axis points where the two arms of a chromosome meet (called centromeres).

— kyle peterson, WSJ, "Cracking the Code of Life—at Light Speed," 27 Apr. 2018
That means the companies must translate the demanding argot of genetics — alleles and phenotypes and centromeres — into something approachable, even simple, for physicians and laypersons alike.

— thomas goetz, WIRED, "23AndMe Will Decode Your DNA for $1,000. Welcome to the Age of Genomics," 17 Nov. 2007

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'centromere.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.