First Known Use: 1839
Dictionary
chiasma
noun chi·as·ma \kī-ˈaz-mə, kē-\
plural chi·as·ma·ta \-mə-tə\
Definition of CHIASMA
1
: an anatomical intersection or decussation — compare optic chiasma
2
: a cross-shaped configuration of paired chromatids visible in the diplotene stage of meiotic prophase and considered the cytological equivalent of genetic crossing-over
— chi·as·mat·ic \ˌkī-əz-ˈma-tik, ˌkē-\ adjective
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Origin of CHIASMA
New Latin, X-shaped configuration, from Greek, crosspiece, from chiazein to mark with a chi, from chi (x)
Medical Dictionary
chiasma
noun chi·as·ma \kī-ˈaz-mə, kē-\
plural chi·as·ma·ta \-mət-ə\
Medical Definition of CHIASMA
1
: an anatomical intersection or decussation—see optic chiasma
2
: a cross-shaped configuration of paired chromatids visible in the diplotene of meiotic prophase and considered the cytological equivalent of genetic crossing-over
—chi·as·mat·ic \ˌkī-əz-ˈmat-ik, ˌkē-\ adjective
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