leptotene
noun
lep·to·tene
ˈlep-tə-ˌtēn 
: a stage of meiotic prophase immediately preceding synapsis in which the chromosomes appear as fine discrete threads
Cite this Entry
“Leptotene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leptotene. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
leptotene
1 of 2 noun
lep·to·tene
ˈlep-tə-ˌtēn
: a stage of meiotic prophase immediately preceding synapsis in which the chromosomes appear as fine discrete threads
leptotene
2 of 2 adjective
variants
also leptotenic
: relating to or being the leptotene of meiotic prophase
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share