centromere

[ sen-truh-meer ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a specialized structure on the chromosome, appearing during cell division as the constricted central region where the two chromatids are held together and form an X shape.

centromere

/ ˌsɛntrəˈmɛrɪk; ˈsɛntrəˌmɪə; -ˈmɪərɪk /

noun

1. the dense nonstaining region of a chromosome that attaches it to the spindle during mitosis

centromere

/ sĕn′trə-mîr′ /

1. The region of the chromosome to which the spindle fiber is attached during cell division (both mitosis and meiosis). The centromere is the constricted point at which the two chromatids forming the chromosome are joined together.
2. See more at meiosis

Derived Forms

• centromeric, adjective

Other Words From

• cen·tro·mer·ic [sen-tr, uh, -, mer, -ik, -, meer, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of centromere¹

First recorded in 1920–25; centro- + -mere