diploid

[dip-loid]

adjective

1. double; twofold.

2. Biology.,  having two similar complements of chromosomes.

noun

1. Biology.,  an organism or cell having double the basic haploid number of chromosomes.

2. Crystallography.,  a solid belonging to the isometric system and having 24 trapezoidal planes.

diploid

/ ˈdɪplɔɪd /

adjective

1. biology (of cells or organisms) having pairs of homologous chromosomes so that twice the haploid number is present

2. double or twofold

noun

1. biology a diploid cell or organism

diploid

1. Having paired sets of chromosomes in a cell or cell nucleus. In diploid organisms that reproduce sexually, one set of chromosomes is inherited from each parent. The somatic cells of most animals are diploid.

2. Compare haploid See Note at mitosis

Other Word Forms

• diploidic adjective
• diploidy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of diploid¹

First recorded in 1905–10; dipl(o)- + -oid

Example Sentences

However, sometimes the number of chromosome sets doubles from one generation to the next: one diploid organism suddenly becomes a tetraploid -- i.e. it has four sets of chromosomes.

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Of the bees sampled, 15% showed evidence of inbreeding, through the presence of what are called diploid males.

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In diploid organisms, one set of chromosomes is inherited from each parent.

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The cranberry is a diploid, which means that each cell contains one set of chromosomes from the maternal parent and one set from the paternal parent.

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In the case of sexual fertilisation, the simple chromosome sets from the egg and sperm cells come together to create a double -- diploid -- chromosome set.

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