chromosome number

American  

noun

Genetics.

1. the characteristic number of chromosomes contained in the cell nucleus of a given species.

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chromosome number British  

noun

1. the number of chromosomes present in each somatic cell, which is constant for any one species of plant or animal. In the reproductive cells this number is halved See also diploid haploid

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Etymology

Origin of chromosome number

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chromosome number

One of the earliest warning signs in this process is the presence of chromosomal abnormalities, which include changes in chromosome number or structure.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 10, 2026

Genomic sequencing also revealed that D. catalonica has a haploid chromosome number of four autosomes plus one X chromosome, while D. tilosensis has six autosomes and one X chromosome.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2025

For example, in humans, the chromosome number is 46, while in fruit flies, it is eight.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

The process of meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

Because the chromosome number for a given species is constant, the egg and the sperm, which are to unite to form a new individual, must carry to their union only half the species number.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson