Y chromosome
noun
: a sex chromosome that is characteristic of male cells in species in which the male typically has two unlike sex chromosomes compare x chromosome
Examples of Y chromosome in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Females inherit an X chromosome from both parents, while males inherit an X chromosome from their mothers and a Y chromosome from their fathers.
—
Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Females have two X chromosomes, and males have an X chromosome and a Y chromosome.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Male kittens, also like most other male mammals, have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.
—Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 15 May 2025
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A simple difference in the genetic code – two X chromosomes versus one X chromosome and one Y chromosome – can lead to major differences in heart disease.
—Amy Huebschmann, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024
The ovum carries an X chromosome, while sperm cells can carry either an X or a Y chromosome.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024
Biological females typically have two X chromosomes (XX), and biological males typically have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
—Loreben Tuquero, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Aug. 2024
According to the National Health Service in England, the presence of X and Y chromosomes in women can only be determined with chromosomal testing, usually given in the form of an ultrasound or a blood test.
—Mark Puleo, The Athletic, 3 Aug. 2024
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Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Females have two X chromosomes, and males have an X chromosome and a Y chromosome.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Male kittens, also like most other male mammals, have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.
—Gayoung Lee, Scientific American, 15 May 2025
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
A simple difference in the genetic code – two X chromosomes versus one X chromosome and one Y chromosome – can lead to major differences in heart disease.
—Amy Huebschmann, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024
The ovum carries an X chromosome, while sperm cells can carry either an X or a Y chromosome.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024
Biological females typically have two X chromosomes (XX), and biological males typically have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
—Loreben Tuquero, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Aug. 2024
According to the National Health Service in England, the presence of X and Y chromosomes in women can only be determined with chromosomal testing, usually given in the form of an ultrasound or a blood test.
—Mark Puleo, The Athletic, 3 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Y chromosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Y%20chromosome. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
Y chromosome
noun
: a sex chromosome that is characteristic of male cells in species in which the male typically has two unlike sex chromosomes compare x chromosome
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