nondisjunction

noun

non·​dis·​junc·​tion ˌnän-dis-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən 

: failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate subsequent to metaphase in meiosis or mitosis so that one daughter cell has both and the other neither of the chromosomes

nondisjunctional

ˌnän-dis-ˈjəŋ(k)-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nondisjunction

noun

non·​dis·​junc·​tion ˌnän-dis-ˈjəŋ(k)-shən 

: failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate subsequent to metaphase in meiosis or mitosis so that one daughter cell has both and the other neither of the chromosomes

nondisjunctional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective