euchromatin

[ yoo-kroh-muh-tin ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. the part of a chromosome that condenses maximally during metaphase and contains most of the genetically active material.

euchromatin

/ ˌjuːkrəʊˈmætɪk; juːˈkrəʊmətɪn /

noun

1. the part of a chromosome that constitutes the major genes and does not stain strongly with basic dyes when the cell is not dividing Compare heterochromatin

Derived Forms

• euchromatic, adjective

Other Words From

• eu·chro·mat·ic [yoo-kr, uh, -, mat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of euchromatin¹

First recorded in 1930–35; eu- + chromatin