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X chromosome
noun
: a sex chromosome that usually occurs paired in each female cell and single in each male cell in species in which the male typically has two unlike sex chromosomes compare y chromosome
Examples of X chromosome in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
His theory suggested that orange coat color was controlled by a variant on the X chromosome, explaining why ginger cats are mostly male and why tortoiseshell cats, with their mix of orange and non-orange fur, are almost always female.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 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
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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
Women have two X chromosomes, while men have just one.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1911, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near X chromosome
Cite this Entry
“X chromosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/X%20chromosome. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
X chromosome
noun
: a sex chromosome that is associated with femaleness and usually occurs paired in each female cell and single in each male cell in organisms (as human beings) in which the male normally has two unlike sex chromosomes compare y chromosome
Medical Definition
X chromosome
noun
: a sex chromosome that usually occurs paired in each female cell and single in each male cell in species in which the male typically has two unlike sex chromosomes compare y chromosome
More from Merriam-Webster on X chromosome
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about X chromosome
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