dihybrid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/AdvancedTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “dihybrid” mean?
A genetic cross involving two pairs of contrasting traits.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A genetic cross involving two pairs of contrasting traits.
An organism that is heterozygous for two different genes. In a broader biological context, it refers to the cross or inheritance pattern resulting from focusing on two traits simultaneously.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
None beyond its precise scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally low frequency and confined to academic/biological contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “dihybrid” in a Sentence
[dihybrid] + noun (e.g., cross, experiment)noun + [dihybrid] (e.g., analysis of a dihybrid)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dihybrid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The students set up a dihybrid cross between pea plants.
American English
- We analyzed the results from the dihybrid experiment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in biology textbooks, lectures, and research on Mendelian genetics.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in genetics, plant/animal breeding, and related scientific fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dihybrid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dihybrid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dihybrid”
- Misspelling as 'dihybird' or 'dyhybrid'.
- Using it to describe general hybrids rather than specific genetic heterozygotes.
- Confusing it with 'dihybrid cross' (the experiment) vs. 'dihybrid' (the organism).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A monohybrid cross studies the inheritance of one trait (e.g., seed colour), while a dihybrid cross studies the inheritance of two traits simultaneously (e.g., seed colour and seed shape).
It can be both. As a noun: 'The F1 generation are all dihybrids.' As an adjective (attributive noun): 'We performed a dihybrid cross.'
The classic Mendelian phenotypic ratio for a dihybrid cross between two heterozygotes is 9:3:3:1.
Yes, but if the two genes are linked on the same chromosome, they do not assort independently, and the offspring ratios will deviate significantly from the expected 9:3:3:1 ratio.
A genetic cross involving two pairs of contrasting traits.
Dihybrid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Dihybrid: in British English it is pronounced /daɪˈhaɪ.brɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /daɪˈhaɪ.brɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DI-' means two (like in 'dioxide'), and 'HYBRID' means mixed inheritance. So, a dihybrid mixes two different traits.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly literal scientific term).
Practice
Quiz
What does the term 'dihybrid' specifically refer to in genetics?