chiasma

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chi·as·ma

 (kī-ăz′mə) also chi·asm (kī′ăz′əm)
n. pl. chi·as·ma·ta (-mə-tə) or chi·as·mas also chi·asms
1. Anatomy A crossing or intersection of two tracts, as of nerves or ligaments.
2. Genetics The point of contact between paired chromatids during meiosis, resulting in a cross-shaped configuration and representing the cytological manifestation of crossing over.

[Greek khīasma, cross-piece, from khīazein, to mark with an X, from khei, khī, chi (from the letter's shape).]

chi·as′mal, chi·as′mic, chi′as·mat′ic (-măt′ĭk) adj.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

chiasma

(kaɪˈæzmə) or

chiasm

n, pl -mas, -mata (-mətə) or -asms
1. (Genetics) cytology the cross-shaped connection produced by the crossing over of pairing chromosomes during meiosis
2. (Anatomy) anatomy the crossing over of two parts or structures, such as the fibres of the optic nerves in the brain
[C19: from Greek khiasma wooden crosspiece, from khiazein to mark with an X, from khi chi1]
chiˈasmal, chiˈasmic adj
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

chi•as•ma

(kaɪˈæz mə)

also chi•asm

(ˈkaɪ æz əm)

n., pl. -as•mas, -as•ma•ta (-ˈæz mə tə) also -asms.
1. Anat. a crossing or decussation. Compare optic chiasma.
2. a point of overlap of paired chromatids at which fusion and exchange of genetic material take place during prophase of meiosis.
[1830–40; < Greek: crosspiece of wood, cross-bandage =chi chi + -asma n. suffix]
chi•as′mal, chi•as′mic, chi`as•mat′ic (-ˈmæt ɪk) adj.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.chiasma - an intersection or crossing of two tracts in the form of the letter X
anatomical structure, bodily structure, body structure, complex body part, structure - a particular complex anatomical part of a living thing; "he has good bone structure"
chiasma opticum, optic chiasm, optic chiasma - the crossing of the optic nerves from the two eyes at the base of the brain
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
Translations

chi·asm

, chiasma
n. quiasma.
1. cruzamiento de dos vías o conductos;
2. punto de cruzamiento de las fibras de los nervios ópticos.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
References in periodicals archive ?
The chromosomes in precocious migration in metaphases I may have originated from univalents in diakinesis or have been a result of precocious terminalization of chiasma and the late terminalization of these chiasmas makes the laggard chromosomes in anaphase I (SOUZA-KANESHIMA et al., 2010).
The structure of perspective does not afford an expansive horizon; the line of sight is instead obstructed by nested chiasmas, including the tepee, the easel, Catlin's body, and Mah-to-toh-pa's spear-holding figure.