independent assortment

noun

: formation of random combinations of chromosomes in meiosis and of genes on different pairs of homologous chromosomes by the passage according to the laws of probability of one of each diploid pair of homologous chromosomes into each gamete independently of each other pair

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of independent assortment was in 1913

Dictionary Entries Near independent assortment

Cite this Entry

“Independent assortment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/independent%20assortment. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

independent assortment

noun
in·​de·​pen·​dent as·​sort·​ment ˌin-də-ˈpen-dənt-ə-ˈsȯ(ə)rt-mənt How to pronounce independent assortment (audio)
: formation of random combinations of chromosomes in meiosis and of genes on different pairs of homologous chromosomes by the passage according to the laws of probability of one of each diploid pair of homologous chromosomes into each gamete independently of each other pair
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!