n.
Pronunciation: k ī - ' az-m ə , k ē -
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -ma · ta \ -m ə -t ə \
Etymology: New Latin, X-shaped configuration, from Greek, crosspiece, from chiazein to mark with a chi, from chi (x)
Date: 1839
1 : an anatomical intersection or decussation ― compare OPTIC CHIASMA
2 : a cross-shaped configuration of paired chromatids visible in the diplotene stage of meiotic prophase and considered the cytological equivalent of genetic crossing-over
– chi · as · mat · ic \ ˌ k ī - ə z- ' ma-tik, ˌ k ē - \ adjective