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chiasmatypy

noun

chi·​as·​ma·​typy
-ˌtīpē
plural -es
: the spiral twisting of homologous chromosomes during zygotene that results in intimate association of chromatids with chiasma formation and provides the mechanism for crossing over

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary chiasma- (from New Latin chiasma) + -typy; originally formed as French chiasmatypie

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Cite this Entry

“Chiasmatypy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chiasmatypy. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

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