centromere

noun cen·tro·mere \ˈsen-trə-ˌmir\

Definition of CENTROMERE

: the point or region on a chromosome to which the spindle attaches during mitosis and meiosis

— cen·tro·mer·ic \ˌsen-trə-ˈmir-ik, -ˈmer-\ adjective

See centromere defined for kids

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: circa 1925

Medical Dictionary

noun cen·tro·mere \ˈsen-trə-ˌmi(ə)r\

: the point or region on a chromosome to which the spindle attaches during mitosis and meiosis—called also kinetochore

—cen·tro·mer·ic \ˌsen-trə-ˈmi(ə)r-ik, -ˈmer-\ adjective

Next Word in the Dictionary: centroplasmPrevious Word in the Dictionary: centrolineadAll Words Near: centromere

What made you want to look up centromere? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears