diploid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Scientific / Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “diploid” mean?
Having two complete sets of chromosomes per cell, one from each parent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having two complete sets of chromosomes per cell, one from each parent.
Of or pertaining to a cell, nucleus, or organism possessing two homologous sets of chromosomes. More generally, can refer to any structure or system composed of two matching or corresponding parts or sets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with equal, specialised frequency in both UK and US scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “diploid” in a Sentence
[be] diploid[be] a diploid organismhave a diploid genomecontain diploid cellsmaintain a diploid stateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diploid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The somatic cells in your body are diploid.
- Researchers observed the diploid stage of the fern's life cycle.
American English
- Human diploid cells contain 46 chromosomes.
- The fertilized egg is the first diploid cell of the new individual.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used frequently in biology, genetics, botany, and zoology texts and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core term in genetics, cytology, and developmental biology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diploid”
- Confusing 'diploid' with 'haploid' or 'polyploid'.
- Using 'diploid' to describe non-biological duality (e.g., 'a diploid argument').
- Mispronouncing as /daɪˈplɔɪd/ (the first syllable is short 'dip', not 'dye').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The human diploid number is 46, meaning most body cells contain 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).
No. Somatic (body) cells are diploid, but gametes (sperm and egg cells) are haploid, containing only 23 chromosomes.
The direct opposite is 'haploid', which describes a cell or organism with a single set of chromosomes.
Yes, though less common. For example, 'The organism exists as a diploid for most of its life cycle.'
Having two complete sets of chromosomes per cell, one from each parent.
Diploid is usually scientific / technical / academic in register.
Diploid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪplɔɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪplɔɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'diploma' (a certificate you get from two parties, e.g., school and state) + 'oid' (like). A diploid cell has two 'certificates' or sets of chromosomes.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENETIC BLUEPRINT AS A DOUBLE-BACKUP SYSTEM. The two sets are like a redundant backup, ensuring genetic information is preserved even if one copy has an error.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'diploid' specifically refer to?