ploidy

noun

ploi·​dy ˈplȯi-dē How to pronounce ploidy (audio)
: degree of repetition of the basic number of chromosomes

Word History

Etymology

from such words as diploidy, hexaploidy

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ploidy was in 1939

Dictionary Entries Near ploidy

Cite this Entry

“Ploidy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ploidy. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

ploidy

noun
ploi·​dy ˈplȯid-ē How to pronounce ploidy (audio)
plural ploidies
: degree of repetition of the basic number of chromosomes

More from Merriam-Webster on ploidy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!