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

Another method uses synapses, which fine-tunes the degree a neuron can transmit the data and store them at the same time, using “states.”

From Singularity Hub 

The synapses, while processing this new data—what we call “learning”—also update their state to encode and store the new information.

From Singularity Hub 

The term refers to the brain chemical dopamine’s ability, in addition to transmitting signals across synapses, to enter a cell’s nucleus and control specific genes.

From Quanta Magazine

Given the billions of synapses firing away in our heads, it’ll be a challenge to find-and-replace those that need replacement, and be able to control our memories and behaviors similar to natural ones.

From Singularity Hub 

Yet until now, capturing how these synapses change as we move through time has been nearly impossible.

From Singularity Hub 

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