chromatin

American  

[kroh-muh-tin] / ˈkroʊ mə tɪn /

noun

Cell Biology.

1. the readily stainable substance of a cell nucleus, consisting of DNA, RNA, and various proteins, that forms chromosomes during cell division.

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chromatin British  

/ ˈkrəʊmətɪn /

noun

1. cytology the part of the nucleus that consists of DNA and proteins, forms the chromosomes, and stains with basic dyes See also euchromatin heterochromatin

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chromatin Scientific  

/ krō′mə-tĭn /

1. The substance distributed in the nucleus of a cell that condenses to form chromosomes during cell division. It consists mainly of DNA and proteins called histones.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• chromatoid
  adjective
• chromatinic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of chromatin

First recorded in 1880–85; chromat- + -in ²

Compare meaning

How does chromatin compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• chromatin vs. chromatid
• chromatin vs. chromosome