monosome

[ mon-uh-sohm ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. a chromosome having no homologue, especially an unpaired X chromosome.
2. a protein-synthetic complex involving the translation of a messenger RNA molecule by a single ribosome.
3. a monosomic individual.

monosome

/ ˈmɒnəˌsəʊm; ˌmɒnəˈsəʊmɪk /

noun

1. an unpaired chromosome, esp an X-chromosome in an otherwise diploid cell

Derived Forms

• monosomic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of monosome¹

First recorded in 1920–25; mono- + -some ³