chromosome number

noun

: the usually constant number of chromosomes characteristic of a particular kind of animal or plant

Examples of chromosome number in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Color morph is associated with a different chromosome, chromosome number 2. — Donna L. Maney, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2025 Because of the difference in chromosome number, the tetrapoid couldn't mate with either of its parent species, but it wasn't prevented from reproducing with fellow accidents. — Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2011

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chromosome number was in 1910

Rhymes for chromosome number

See All Rhymes for chromosome number

Browse Nearby Words

chromosome
chromosome number
chromosome set
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chromosome number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chromosome%20number. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

chromosome number

noun
: the number of chromosomes in a cell that is usually constant in the cells making up the body of a particular kind of plant or animal

Medical Definition

chromosome number

noun
: the usually constant number of chromosomes characteristic of a particular kind of animal or plant

More from Merriam-Webster on chromosome number

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chromosome number

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

'Blue Moon,' 'Wolf Moon,' and Other Moons to Look for Throughout the Year
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All