synaptonemal complex

noun

syn·​ap·​to·​ne·​mal complex sə-ˌnap-tə-ˈnē-məl- How to pronounce synaptonemal complex (audio)
variants or less commonly synaptinemal complex
: 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
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.
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

Time Traveler
The first known use of synaptonemal complex was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near synaptonemal complex

Cite this Entry

“Synaptonemal complex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synaptonemal%20complex. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

synaptonemal complex

noun
syn·​ap·​to·​ne·​mal complex sə-ˌnap-tə-ˌnē-məl- How to pronounce synaptonemal complex (audio)
variants or synaptinemal complex
same
: a complex tripartite protein structure that spans the region between synapsed chromosomes in meiotic prophase
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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