Chromosome Meaning
/ˈkɹəʊ.məˌsəʊm/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA linear arrangement of condensed DNA and associated proteins (such as chaperone proteins) which contains the genetic material (genome) of an organism.
Sentence Examples
Men have an X and Y chromosome; women, two Xs.
Your chromosome can undoubtedly show what kind of human you are!
CEFR Practice Quiz
Each human cell contains 23 pairs of ____ that carry the blueprint for life.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Each human cell normally contains twenty-three pairs of ____ tonight city.
Word Origin & History
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.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"A length of DNA is divided into segments called chromosomes and shorter individual units called genes."
— 2019, Bill Bryson, The Body: A Guide for Occupants, Black Swan (2020), page 7:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Each human cell contains 23 pairs of ____ that carry the blueprint for life.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Each human cell normally contains twenty-three pairs of ____ tonight city.