kīˈazmə noun
( plural chiasma·ta -məd.ə ; or chiasmas )
Etymology: New Latin, from Greek, crosspiece of wood, cross bandage, from chiazein to mark with a chi, from chi (Χ)
1. anatomy : a decussation or intersection
the optic chiasma
2. biology : a fusion and exchange of segments of chromatids occurring between members of a bivalent during diplotene : the source of genetic crossovers
• chi·as·mal (ˈ)kī|azməl adjective
• chi·as·mat·ic |kīəz|mad.ik, -īˌaz- adjective
• chi·as·mic (ˈ)kī|azmik adjective