/ ˈkrəʊməsəʊm; NAmE ˈkroʊməsoʊm/ noun
( biology ) one of the very small structures like threads in the nuclei (= central parts) of animal and plant cells, that carry the genes
—see also sex chromosome , X chromosome , Y chromosome
► chromo·somal / ˌkrəʊməˈsəʊməl; NAmE ˌkroʊməˈsoʊməl/ adjective :
chromosomal abnormalities
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WORD ORIGIN
late 19th cent.: coined in German from Greek khrōma colour + sōma body.