chiasma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “chiasma” mean?
A point of crossing or intersection, specifically where two structures (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A point of crossing or intersection, specifically where two structures (e.g., nerves, chromosomes) cross.
Can be used metaphorically in rhetoric or literature to denote a crossing or inversion of ideas, mirroring the rhetorical device 'chiasmus'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
None beyond its technical denotation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language in both varieties. Used with identical frequency in scientific literature.
Grammar
How to Use “chiasma” in a Sentence
The [noun] forms a chiasma with the [noun].A chiasma occurs at the point where [clause].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chiasma” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chromosomes are expected to chiasmata during meiosis. (Note: 'chiasmata' is the plural noun; verb form 'to chiasma' is not standard.)
American English
- The homologous pair may chiasma to facilitate recombination. (Note: This verbal use is highly non-standard and theoretical.)
adverb
British English
- The nerves crossed chiasmically. (Extremely rare, constructed from 'chiasmic')
American English
- The genetic material was arranged chiasmically. (Highly non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The chiasmal region is critical for vision. (chiasmal/chiasmatic are possible adjectives)
- Chiasmatic anatomy was studied in detail.
American English
- The chiasmatic plate is a key anatomical landmark.
- Researchers observed the chiasmal crossing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological sciences, genetics, neuroanatomy, and classical rhetoric/literary studies.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Refers to the point where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material or where optic nerves cross.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chiasma”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chiasma”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chiasma”
- Mispronouncing it with a 'ch' as in 'church' (/tʃ/). It is a hard 'k' sound.
- Using it as a common noun.
- Confusing it with 'chiasmus' (the rhetorical device), though they are etymologically related.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but they share a root. 'Chiasma' is a biological term for a physical crossing. 'Chiasmus' is a rhetorical device involving the inverted repetition of ideas (e.g., 'Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country').
Pronounce it as 'ky-AZ-muh'. The 'ch' is a hard 'k' sound (/k/), the stress is on the second syllable.
Almost certainly not. It is a highly specialised scientific term. Using it in general conversation would likely cause confusion.
The standard plural is 'chiasmata', following its Greek origin. The Anglicised plural 'chiasmas' is also occasionally seen but is less common in technical writing.
A point of crossing or intersection, specifically where two structures (e.
Chiasma is usually technical/formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. Too technical for idiomatic use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'X' (the Greek letter chi, 'χ') in a chromosome or nerve pathway. CHIASMA = CHI (X) + ASMA (like 'asma' in 'asthma', a condition) – an 'X condition' of crossing.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTERSECTION IS A CROSSING POINT.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'chiasma' most commonly used?