Is 'asynapsis' a common English word?

No, it is a very rare, highly specialised term used only in genetics and cytology.

Can 'asynapsis' be used to describe a simple lack of connection?

No. Its use is strictly confined to the failure of chromosome pairing in meiosis. It is not a general synonym for disconnection.

What is the adjective form of 'asynapsis'?

The related adjective is 'asynaptic'.

What is the opposite of asynapsis?

The direct opposite is 'synapsis', which refers to the successful pairing of homologous chromosomes.

Is “asynapsis” formal?

Asynapsis is usually highly technical/specialised in register.

How do you pronounce “asynapsis”?

Asynapsis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌeɪsɪˈnapsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌeɪsɪˈnæpsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

asynapsis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Rare

UK/ˌeɪsɪˈnapsɪs/US/ˌeɪsɪˈnæpsɪs/

Highly Technical/Specialised

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “asynapsis” mean?

The failure of homologous chromosomes to pair during meiosis.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The failure of homologous chromosomes to pair during meiosis.

In a broader biological context, it can refer to any failure of pairing or connection between corresponding structures, but remains narrowly technical.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No lexical or spelling differences. The term is identical in both varieties.

Connotations

None beyond its strict scientific meaning.

Frequency

Equally rare and restricted to specialist literature in both regions.

Grammar

How to Use “asynapsis” in a Sentence

The asynapsis of [chromosomes] results in...Asynapsis during [meiosis I] leads to...Researchers observed asynapsis in...A mutation causing asynapsis was identified.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

chromosomal asynapsismeiotic asynapsiscomplete asynapsispartial asynapsis

medium

lead to asynapsisresult in asynapsiscause of asynapsis

weak

observed asynapsischaracterized by asynapsis

Examples

Examples of “asynapsis” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

The asynaptic chromosomes failed to align.

American English

They studied an asynaptic mutant strain.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used exclusively in advanced genetics, cytology, and reproductive biology texts and research papers.

Everyday

Never used.

Technical

The sole domain of use. Describes a specific cytogenetic abnormality.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “asynapsis”

Strong

desynapsis (though this technically refers to separation after pairing)

Neutral

failure of pairingnon-pairinglack of synapsis

Weak

pairing defectsynaptic failure

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “asynapsis”

synapsis pairing conjugation

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “asynapsis”

Misspelling as 'asynapsys' or 'asynapsiss'. Incorrect use outside of genetics, e.g., trying to apply it to unrelated disconnections.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is a very rare, highly specialised term used only in genetics and cytology.
: No. Its use is strictly confined to the failure of chromosome pairing in meiosis. It is not a general synonym for disconnection.
: The related adjective is 'asynaptic'.
: The direct opposite is 'synapsis', which refers to the successful pairing of homologous chromosomes.
: Asynapsis is usually highly technical/specialised in register.
: Asynapsis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌeɪsɪˈnapsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌeɪsɪˈnæpsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'A-' (not, without) + 'synapsis' (the pairing of chromosomes). 'Asynapsis' is the absence of that pairing.

Conceptual Metaphor

A failed meeting or handshake between partner chromosomes.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The mutant gene caused , preventing the homologous chromosomes from pairing properly.

Multiple Choice

In which biological process does asynapsis occur?