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An intersection or crossing of two tracts in the form of the letter X
Answer for the clue "An intersection or crossing of two tracts in the form of the letter X ", 7 letters:
chiasma
Alternative clues for the word chiasma
Word definitions for chiasma in dictionaries
Wikipedia
Word definitions in Wikipedia
In genetics , a chiasma (pl. chiasmata ) is the point where two homologous non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material during chromosomal crossover in meiosis (sister chromatids also form chiasmata between each other (also known as a chi structure), ...
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Chiasm \Chi"asm\ (k[imac]"[a^]z'm), ||Chiasma \Chi*as"ma\ (k[-i]*[a^]z"m[.a]), n. [NL. chiasma, fr. Gr. chi`asma two lines placed crosswise, fr. ? to mark with a [chi].] (Anat.) A commissure; an intersection or crossing of two tracts; especially, the ...
WordNet
Word definitions in WordNet
n. an intersection or crossing of two tracts in the form of the letter X [syn: chiasm , decussation ] [also: chiasmata (pl)]
Wiktionary
Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 (context anatomy English) A crossing of two nerves, ligaments etc. 2 (context genetics cytology English) The contact point between the two chromatids of a chromosome during meiosis.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"a crossing," 1832, medical Latin, from Greek khiasma "two things placed crosswise," which is related to khiasmos (see chiasmus ). In cytology from 1911.
Usage examples of chiasma.
Chromosomes began their stately dance, pairing and parting, chromatids joining and breaking again at their chiasmata, each with slightly rearranged genetic material.
Though he lacked the faith to truly enjoy the pain of the neural grub's detachment, he feigned a smile of satisfaction as the thing tore its dendrites from his optic chiasma and exited through his nasal cavity.
There was a small concavity above his left ear, just enough to compress the temporal lobe back into the hy-pothalamus and optic chiasma.
He was interested in the fact that they have an optic chiasma, the same as the higher vertebrates.