diplonema: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Extremely RareHighly Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “diplonema” mean?
A stage of cell division (meiosis) where paired homologous chromosomes appear as long, thin, intertwined threads.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stage of cell division (meiosis) where paired homologous chromosomes appear as long, thin, intertwined threads.
Primarily a technical term in cytology and genetics referring to the fourth stage of prophase I in meiosis, characterized by chromosomal crossover and visible chiasmata.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in usage, spelling, or meaning. Identical in all scientific contexts.
Connotations
None; purely denotative scientific term.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “diplonema” in a Sentence
The cell enters diplonema.Diplonema is marked by...Crossover occurs at diplonema.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diplonema” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diplonema configuration is clearly visible.
- Diplonema chromosomes show distinct chiasmata.
American English
- The diplonema configuration is clearly visible.
- Diplonema chromosomes show distinct chiasmata.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in advanced biology, genetics, and cytology textbooks/research papers.
Everyday
Virtually unknown and never used.
Technical
The sole context of use; precision is critical.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diplonema”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diplonema”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diplonema”
- Mispronouncing as 'diploma-nema'.
- Using it outside of a genetic/meiosis context.
- Confusing it with 'diakinesis' (the next stage).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'diplonema' and 'diplotene stage' are synonymous terms in cytology.
No, it is a highly specialized scientific term. Using it in general conversation would likely cause confusion.
The main characteristic is the appearance of homologous chromosomes as doubled, elongated, and intertwined threads, with visible crossover points called chiasmata.
Slightly. The key difference is in the second vowel: British English uses a schwa (/ə/), while American English uses an /oʊ/ sound in the 'plo' syllable.
A stage of cell division (meiosis) where paired homologous chromosomes appear as long, thin, intertwined threads.
Diplonema is usually highly technical / scientific in register.
Diplonema: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪpləˈniːmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪploʊˈniːmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think DIPLO (double) + NEMA (thread) = the stage where double-threaded chromosomes are visible.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAIRED STRANDS (The chromosomes are conceptualized as intertwined threads or filaments).
Practice
Quiz
Diplonema is a stage specific to which cellular process?