synapsis

[ si-nap-sis ]

noun

, plural syn·ap·ses [si-, nap, -seez].

1. Also called syndesis. Cell Biology. the pairing of homologous chromosomes, one from each parent, during early meiosis.
2. Physiology. synapse.

synapsis

/ sɪˈnæpsɪs /

noun

1. cytology the association in pairs of homologous chromosomes at the start of meiosis
2. another word for synapse

Other Words From

• syn·ap·tic [si-, nap, -tik], syn·apti·cal adjective
• syn·apti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of synapsis¹

1645–55; < New Latin < Greek sýnapsis “junction,” equivalent to synap- (stem of synáptein “to make contact,” equivalent to syn- syn- + (h)áptein “to touch”) + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of synapsis¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek sunapsis junction, from sunaptein to join together, from syn- + haptein to connect

Example Sentences

From this synapsis the lower neurone proceeds, its axons travelling to the anterior horn and arborising around the motor cells.

From Project Gutenberg

There is in the male, in addition to the X, also a Y chromosome, which acts as its mate in synapsis and reduction.

From Project Gutenberg

The true synapsis occurs, as shown in figure 213, by pairing of like chromosomes side by side.

From Project Gutenberg

Anaphase of same, showing synapsis of chromosomes at pole of spindle, and element x.

From Project Gutenberg

The method of synapsis in Coptocycla is like that described for Chelymorpha argus.

From Project Gutenberg