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cromosoma

chromosome

noun kroh-moh-SOH-mah Rare
Body & Health Body Parts

Origin: From Greek khroma (colour) + soma (body), named for how chromosomes absorb stains in microscopy.

Usage Note

Cromosoma is masculine despite ending in -a, a pattern shared with other Greek-origin scientific terms like tema and problema. Humans have 46 cromosomas, arranged in 23 pairs. The adjective form is cromosómico.

Examples

"El cromosoma X determina el sexo femenino."

Natural Translation

The X chromosome determines female sex.

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