asynapsis

noun

asyn·​ap·​sis ˌā-sə-ˈnap-səs How to pronounce asynapsis (audio)
plural asynapses ˌā-sə-ˈnap-ˌsēz How to pronounce asynapsis (audio)
: failure of pairing of homologous chromosomes in meiosis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin a- entry 2 + synapsis

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asynapsis was in 1929

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asynapsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asynapsis. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

asynapsis

noun
asyn·​ap·​sis ˌā-sə-ˈnap-səs How to pronounce asynapsis (audio)
plural asynapses -ˌsēz How to pronounce asynapsis (audio)
: failure of pairing of homologous chromosomes in meiosis
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