karyotype

1 of 2

noun

kar·​yo·​type ˈker-ē-ə-ˌtīp How to pronounce karyotype (audio)
ˈka-rē-
: the chromosomal characteristics of a cell
also : the chromosomes themselves or a representation of them
karyotypic
ˌker-ē-ə-ˈti-pik How to pronounce karyotype (audio)
ˌka-rē-
adjective
karyotypically
ˌker-ē-ə-ˈti-pi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce karyotype (audio)
ˌka-rē-
adverb

karyotype

2 of 2

verb

karyotyped; karyotyping; karyotypes

transitive verb

: to determine or analyze the karyotype of

Examples of karyotype 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.
Noun
At that point, the husbandry team will conduct a karyotype to look at the pup’s chromosomes and determine if the shark came from one parent or two. — Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of karyotype was in 1929

Rhymes for karyotype

See All Rhymes for karyotype

Browse Nearby Words

karyosystematics
karyotype
Karzai
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Karyotype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/karyotype. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

karyotype

noun
kar·​yo·​type
ˈka-rē-ə-ˌtīp
: a photographic image or other representation of all the chromosomes in a cell usually arranged in pairs from largest to smallest

Medical Definition

karyotype

1 of 2 noun
kar·​yo·​type ˈkar-ē-ə-ˌtīp How to pronounce karyotype (audio)
: the chromosomal characteristics of a cell
also : the chromosomes themselves or a representation of them
karyotypic
ˌkar-ē-ə-ˈtip-ik How to pronounce karyotype (audio)
adjective
karyotypically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce karyotype (audio)
adverb

karyotype

2 of 2 transitive verb
karyotyped; karyotyping
: to determine or analyze the karyotype of
karyotyped a newborn infant with a suspected genetic anomaly

More from Merriam-Webster on karyotype

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about karyotype

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