synaptonemal complex

noun

syn·​ap·​to·​ne·​mal complex sə-ˌnap-tə-ˈnē-məl- 

variants or less commonly synaptinemal complex

sə-ˌnap-tə-ˈnē-məl- 

: a complex tripartite protein structure that spans the region between synapsed chromosomes in meiotic prophase

Examples of synaptonemal complex in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Alfred Sturtevant's general understanding of the power of crossing over was not contingent upon knowing that in a physical sense this process occurs in the synaptonemal complex during prophase I of meoisis I). —Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2013

Word History

Etymology

synaptic + -o- or -i- + Greek nēma thread — more at nemat-

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

synaptonemal complex

noun

syn·​ap·​to·​ne·​mal complex sə-ˌnap-tə-ˌnē-məl- 

variants or synaptinemal complex

same

: a complex tripartite protein structure that spans the region between synapsed chromosomes in meiotic prophase