Dictionary.com

zygotene

[ zahy-guh-teen, zig-uh- ]
/ ˈzaɪ gəˌtin, ˈzɪg ə- /

noun Cell Biology.

the second stage of prophase in meiosis, during which strands of homologous chromosomes line up and become pairs.

QUIZZES

TAKE THIS QUIZ IF A DAZZLING VOCABULARY IS YOUR DESIDERATUM!

Have the Words of the Day from October 19–25, 2020, made an indelible mark on your memory? Take the quiz to find out!
Question 1 of 7
What does “clement” mean?
having or claiming to have the power of seeing objects or actions beyond the range of natural vision.
mild or merciful in disposition or character; lenient; compassionate.
favorite; cherished.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of zygotene

1925–30; <French zygotène;see zygo-, -tene

Words nearby zygotene

zygosis, zygosity, zygosporangium, zygospore, zygote, zygotene, zygotic, -zygous, Zyloprim, zymase, zyme
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for zygotene

zygotene
/ (ˈzaɪɡəˌtiːn, ˈzɪɡ-) /

noun

the second stage of the prophase of meiosis, during which homologous chromosomes become associated in pairs (bivalents)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for zygotene

zygotene
[ zī′gə-tēn′ ]

n.

The stage of meiotic prophase during which the precise point-for-point pairing of the homologous chromosomes begins.zygonema
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.