amphidiploid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “amphidiploid” mean?
A hybrid organism or cell containing two diploid sets of chromosomes, one from each parent species.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hybrid organism or cell containing two diploid sets of chromosomes, one from each parent species.
In genetics, a polyploid organism formed from the hybridization of two species followed by chromosome doubling, resulting in a stable, fertile hybrid containing the full complement of chromosomes from both parental species. Commonly studied in plants and some animals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling is identical. The term is used identically in scientific literature globally.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Exclusively used in specialized genetics, cytology, and plant/agricultural science contexts. Frequency is identical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “amphidiploid” in a Sentence
[The/An] amphidiploid (noun)[be] amphidiploid (adj.)to produce/obtain/create an amphidiploidVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amphidiploid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hybrid can be amphidiploidised through colchicine treatment.
American English
- Researchers aim to amphidiploidize the interspecific hybrid.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in genetics, botany, agricultural science, and evolutionary biology research papers and textbooks. Describes a key mechanism in speciation and crop development.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in cytogenetics and plant breeding. Used to describe specific hybrid organisms like triticale (wheat-rye amphidiploid).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amphidiploid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amphidiploid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amphidiploid”
- Misspelling as 'amphidipoloid' or 'amphydiploid'.
- Using it to describe any hybrid, rather than specifically a hybrid with doubled chromosomes.
- Confusing it with 'polyploid' (more general term).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All amphidiploids are hybrids, but not all hybrids are amphidiploid. An amphidiploid is a specific type of fertile hybrid where the chromosomes from two different species have been doubled.
Yes, amphidiploidy is a major mechanism of sympatric speciation in plants and can occur naturally through hybridization followed by spontaneous chromosome doubling.
'Allopolyploid' is the broader term for any polyploid derived from more than one species. 'Amphidiploid' is often used synonymously but can be more specific, implying the hybrid contains exactly two complete diploid genomes (i.e., it is an allotetraploid).
It allows breeders to combine desirable traits from two different species into one fertile, stable new crop species, such as triticale (wheat-rye) or certain types of cotton.
A hybrid organism or cell containing two diploid sets of chromosomes, one from each parent species.
Amphidiploid is usually technical / academic in register.
Amphidiploid: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæmfɪˈdɪplɔɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæmfɪˈdɪplɔɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AMPHI (both) + DIPLOID (double set). An organism with a 'double-double' set, one from each of two parent species.
Conceptual Metaphor
A genetic 'fusion' or 'merger' where two complete corporate entities (species' genomes) combine into one new, stable company.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of an amphidiploid?