diploid

1 of 2

adjective

dip·​loid ˈdi-ˌplȯid 

: having or involving two sets of homologous chromosomes

diploid somatic cells

In land plants, genome size increased by leaps and bounds after the diploid generation became dominant in the life cycle.

—Yin-Long Qui et al.

compare haploid

diploidy

ˈdi-ˌplȯi-dē 

noun

plural diploidies

diploid

2 of 2

noun

plural diploids

: a single cell, individual, or generation characterized by two complete sets of chromosomes

In genetic terms, the majority of wild tulips are diploids, with twenty-four chromosomes marching in harmony.

—Anna Pavord

Examples of diploid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Regardless of the mechanism of inheritance, any organism with two sets of chromosomes is described genetically as diploid. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026

When tetraploid and diploid plants are crossed, pollen from the diploids is brushed onto the stigmas of the tetraploids. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 May 2026

Noun

When tetraploid and diploid plants are crossed, pollen from the diploids is brushed onto the stigmas of the tetraploids. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 May 2026

Therefore, triploid genetics won't eliminate diploids, as triploids are unsuitable for breeding. — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

Adjective

1907, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1908, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

diploid

1 of 2 adjective

dip·​loid ˈdip-ˌlȯid 

: having the basic chromosome number doubled

diploidy

-ˌlȯid-ē 

noun

plural diploidies

diploid

2 of 2 noun

: a single cell, individual, or generation characterized by the diploid chromosome number