homozygosity

noun

ho·​mo·​zy·​gos·​i·​ty ˌhō-mə-ˈgä-sə-tē How to pronounce homozygosity (audio)
ˌhä-
: the state of being homozygous

Examples of homozygosity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The runs of homozygosity within isolated Wrangel Island mammoths were four times as great as those before sea levels rose. Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 29 June 2024 This conclusion was based on a DNA statistic called runs of homozygosity (ROH). Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2019 Using the most sensitive measure of recent consanguinity, a statistic of run of homozygosity pruned of markers in linkage disequilibrium, the authors did not find a strong effect of magnitude of inbreeding increasing the depression. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 July 2012 Even in cases where individuals are healthy there is likely a fitness drag due to elevated homozygosity across the genome. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 18 July 2013 The South Indian woman had lower levels of aggregate homozygosity. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 17 Nov. 2010 Second, even genomewide homozygosity has some independent relationship to depression in height. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 July 2012 When researchers compared the Altai Neanderthal’s two genomes, there were long segments of practically identical DNA — runs of homozygosity. Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'homozygosity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of homozygosity was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near homozygosity

Cite this Entry

“Homozygosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homozygosity. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

homozygosity

noun
ho·​mo·​zy·​gos·​i·​ty ˌhō-mə-zī-ˈgäs-ət-ē How to pronounce homozygosity (audio)
: the state of being homozygous

Medical Definition

homozygosity

noun
ho·​mo·​zy·​gos·​i·​ty -ˈgäs-ət-ē How to pronounce homozygosity (audio)
plural homozygosities
: the state of being homozygous
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