parasynapsis

noun

para·​synapsis

¦parə+

: normal side-by-side union of chromosomes in synapsis in contrast to supposed end-to-end union that is now regarded as purely an observational artifact compare telosynapsis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from para- entry 1 + synapsis

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!