synapsis

noun

syn·​ap·​sis sə-ˈnap-səs 

plural synapses sə-ˈnap-ˌsēz 

: the association of homologous chromosomes that is characteristic of the first meiotic prophase

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

synapsis

noun

syn·​ap·​sis sə-ˈnap-səs 

plural synapses -ˌsēz 

: the pairing of homologous chromosomes that occurs in prophase of the first meiotic division and during which crossing-over may occur

Medical Definition

synapsis

noun

syn·​ap·​sis sə-ˈnap-səs 

plural synapses -ˌsēz 

: the association of homologous chromosomes with chiasma formation that is characteristic of the first meiotic prophase and is held to be the mechanism for genetic crossing-over