amphiploid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2+ (Very Rare / Specialist)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “amphiploid” mean?
A hybrid organism having a complete diploid chromosome set from each parent species.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hybrid organism having a complete diploid chromosome set from each parent species.
In botany and genetics, an organism, typically a plant, resulting from interspecific hybridization where the chromosome number is the sum of both parental species, often exhibiting increased vigor or fertility compared to its diploid ancestors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or meaning. The term is uniformly technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, purely descriptive scientific term.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “amphiploid” in a Sentence
[amphiploid] of [Species A] and [Species B]an [amphiploid] derived fromto produce/synthesize an [amphiploid]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amphiploid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The amphiploid state was confirmed by chromosome counting.
- They studied amphiploid derivatives of the cross.
American English
- The amphiploid condition confers greater hardiness.
- An amphiploid line was developed for further testing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in advanced biological sciences, genetics, and agricultural research papers.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in plant cytogenetics and breeding programs for crop improvement.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amphiploid”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amphiploid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amphiploid”
- Confusing 'amphiploid' with 'amphibian'.
- Using it as a general term for any hybrid.
- Incorrect stress: stressing the second syllable (am-FI-ploid) instead of the first (AM-fi-ploid).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All amphiploids are hybrids, but not all hybrids are amphiploids. 'Amphiploid' specifies that the hybrid has the full, combined chromosome sets of both parent species.
It is exceedingly rare. Amphiploidy is predominantly a plant phenomenon. Animal interspecific hybrids rarely undergo the chromosome doubling necessary to become amphiploid and are often sterile.
Polyploid is a broad term for any organism with more than two sets of chromosomes. Amphiploid is a type of polyploid (specifically an allopolyploid) where the multiple sets come from different species.
They can combine desirable traits from two species (e.g., disease resistance and high yield) into a new, fertile crop plant. Many modern crops like bread wheat are natural amphiploids.
A hybrid organism having a complete diploid chromosome set from each parent species.
Amphiploid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Amphiploid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæmfɪplɔɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæmfəplɔɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: AMPHI (both sides) + PLOID (as in chromosome sets). An organism with a full set from BOTH parents.
Conceptual Metaphor
A genetic 'bridge' or 'fusion' between two distinct species, combining their complete genetic libraries.
Practice
Quiz
An amphiploid organism specifically has: