chromosomal aberration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic / Scientific / Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “chromosomal aberration” mean?
A structural abnormality or numerical change in the chromosomes of an organism, deviating from the typical arrangement or number.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A structural abnormality or numerical change in the chromosomes of an organism, deviating from the typical arrangement or number.
In genetics and medicine, this refers to any detectable alteration in the normal structure or number of chromosomes, which can lead to developmental disorders, syndromes, or other health conditions. It can also be used metaphorically in literary or critical contexts to describe a significant deviation from an expected pattern.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. The term is a standardised scientific compound. 'Chromosomal abnormality' or 'chromosome abnormality' are more common in general medical contexts in both regions, with 'aberration' being slightly more formal.
Connotations
Identical clinical, technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
More frequent in specialised texts than in everyday speech. No significant regional variation in frequency within scientific literature.
Grammar
How to Use “chromosomal aberration” in a Sentence
The [syndrome/disorder] is caused by a chromosomal aberration.A chromosomal aberration was detected in the foetus.Researchers are investigating the link between [exposure] and chromosomal aberrations.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chromosomal aberration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cell line appeared to aberrantly segregate its chromosomes.
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American English
- The cell line aberrantly segregated its chromosomes.
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adverb
British English
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American English
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adjective
British English
- The aberrant chromosomal pattern was confirmed by FISH.
- Cells with an aberrant karyotype were isolated.
American English
- The aberrant chromosomal pattern was confirmed by FISH.
- Researchers focused on cells with aberrant karyotypes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in genetics, biology, and medical research papers. E.g., 'The study aimed to catalogue chromosomal aberrations in the sampled population.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used by individuals discussing a specific medical diagnosis in a personal context.
Technical
Standard term in clinical genetics, prenatal diagnostics, oncology (e.g., describing cancer cells), and cytogenetics reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chromosomal aberration”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chromosomal aberration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chromosomal aberration”
- Incorrect pluralisation: *'chromosomal aberrations' is correct, not *'chromosomal aberration' (as a countable noun).
- Misspelling: *'chromosonal aberration'.
- Confusing with 'gene mutation' (which affects a specific gene, not the whole chromosome structure/number).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A chromosomal aberration is a type of genetic disorder, but it specifically involves changes to the structure or number of whole chromosomes. Many genetic diseases are caused by mutations in single genes without a visible chromosomal change.
Yes, some are balanced (like certain translocations) and cause no health issues for the carrier, though they may pose risks for offspring. Others are unbalanced and almost always cause developmental or health problems.
Aneuploidy is a specific type of chromosomal aberration where there is an abnormal number of chromosomes (e.g., Trisomy 21). 'Chromosomal aberration' is the broader umbrella term that also includes structural changes like deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations.
No, it is a highly specialised term confined to genetics, medicine, and biology. In everyday conversation, people might use broader terms like 'genetic disorder' or the name of a specific syndrome (e.g., 'Down syndrome').
A structural abnormality or numerical change in the chromosomes of an organism, deviating from the typical arrangement or number.
Chromosomal aberration is usually academic / scientific / technical / medical in register.
Chromosomal aberration: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrəʊ.məˈsəʊ.məl ˌæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkroʊ.məˈsoʊ.məl ˌæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'chrome' (colour) 'soma' (body) that has an 'aberration' (straying away). It's a colourful body (chromosome) that has strayed from its normal form.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MAP WITH AN ERROR (The genome/chromosomes are a map or blueprint for development; an aberration is a misprint or error on that map.)
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'chromosomal aberration' MOST precisely and frequently used?