Word
chromosome
Phoneticschro·mo·some
US/ˈkɹoʊməˌsoʊm/
UK/kɹˈəʊməsˌəʊm/
Definition
n. a tiny structure inside your cells that carries your genetic information. Think of it as a package that holds the instructions for how your body grows and works.
n. a thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
Examples
“Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in their cells.”
“Doctors tested the baby's chromosomes to check for any genetic conditions.”
“During cell division, chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope, ensuring that each new cell receives an identical set of genetic instructions.”
Examples
simple
“Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes in their cells.”
contextual
“Doctors tested the baby's chromosomes to check for any genetic conditions.”
complex
“During cell division, chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope, ensuring that each new cell receives an identical set of genetic instructions.”
Real-World Examples
Common in science writing
“Under this genetic system, females develop from fertilized eggs and possess two sets of chromosomes, while males develop from unfertilized eggs and have only one set.” “The Year 8 student from Western Australia has Down Syndrome – a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 which leads to physical and intellectual disabilities.” Etymology
19th century: from German Chromosom, ultimately from Ancient Greek χρῶμα (khrôma, “colour”) + σῶμα (sôma, “body”) (because they are stained under the microscope). Equivalent to chromo- + -some.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/chromosome