karyology

noun

kar·​y·​ol·​o·​gy ˌker-ē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce karyology (audio)
ˌka-rē-
1
: the minute cytological characteristics of the cell nucleus especially with regard to the chromosomes
2
: a branch of cytology concerned with the karyology of cell nuclei

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of karyology was in 1895

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Karyology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karyology. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

karyology

noun
plural karyologies
1
: the minute cytological characteristics of the cell nucleus especially with regard to the chromosomes of a single cell or of the cells of an organism or group of organisms
2
: a branch of cytology concerned with the karyology of cell nuclei
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