asynapsis

noun

asyn·ap·sis ˌā-sə-ˈnap-səs

plural asynapses ˌā-sə-ˈnap-ˌsēz

: failure of pairing of homologous chromosomes in meiosis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin a- entry 2 + synapsis

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of asynapsis was in 1929

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Asynapsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asynapsis. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

asynapsis

noun

asyn·ap·sis ˌā-sə-ˈnap-səs

plural asynapses -ˌsēz

: failure of pairing of homologous chromosomes in meiosis

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