centromere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “centromere” mean?
The region of a chromosome that links sister chromatids during cell division and attaches to spindle fibres.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The region of a chromosome that links sister chromatids during cell division and attaches to spindle fibres.
The central, constricted part of a chromosome crucial for accurate segregation of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis; the primary site of kinetochore assembly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling and pronunciation are standardised.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. No regional variation in meaning.
Frequency
Identically low frequency in both dialects, appearing only in specialised scientific discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “centromere” in a Sentence
The centromere of the chromosomeA centromere located near the telomereCentromere function is essential for...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centromere” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- centromeric DNA
- The centromeric region was sequenced.
American English
- centromeric protein
- The centromeric sequence is highly repetitive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in genetics, cell biology, and related life science fields in research papers, textbooks, and lectures.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The core context. Used in laboratory protocols, research discussions, genomic analyses, and cytological descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “centromere”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “centromere”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centromere”
- Pronouncing it as 'centro-meer' in British English (should be closer to 'centro-mee-uh').
- Using 'centromere' to refer to the entire central region of a cell.
- Confusing its role with the kinetochore (the protein structure *on* the centromere).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The centromere is the specific DNA region on the chromosome. The kinetochore is the complex protein structure that assembles on the centromere and directly attaches to the spindle fibres.
Yes. Centromeres can be located near the middle (metacentric), close to one end (acrocentric), or at the very end (telocentric) of a chromosome, which is a key characteristic for chromosome identification.
Yes, with very rare artificial exceptions. A functional centromere is essential for a chromosome to be stable and segregate properly during cell division. Chromosomes lacking a centromere are lost.
Almost never. It is a highly specialised term confined to genetics, cell biology, and closely related scientific fields.
The region of a chromosome that links sister chromatids during cell division and attaches to spindle fibres.
Centromere is usually technical/scientific in register.
Centromere: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntrə(ʊ)mɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntrəˌmɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'centre' + 'mere' (a part). It's the central *part* of the chromosome that holds the chromatids together.
Conceptual Metaphor
The centromere is the chromosome's 'waist' or 'belt buckle' that holds the two halves (chromatids) together and provides a handle (for spindle fibres) to pull them apart.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the centromere?