polyploid

adjective

poly·​ploid ˈpä-lē-ˌplȯid How to pronounce polyploid (audio)
: having or being a chromosome number that is a multiple greater than two of the monoploid number
polyploid noun
polyploidy noun

Examples of polyploid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During rare polyploid events, a screw-up in the reproductive process caused the whole genome to duplicate at once. Joanna Klein, New York Times, 19 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyploid was in 1911

Dictionary Entries Near polyploid

Cite this Entry

“Polyploid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyploid. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

polyploid

1 of 2 adjective
poly·​ploid ˈpäl-i-ˌplȯid How to pronounce polyploid (audio)
: having or being a chromosome number that is a multiple greater than two of the monoploid number

polyploid

2 of 2 noun
: a polyploid individual
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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