diplophase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical/scientific
Quick answer
What does “diplophase” mean?
A stage in the life cycle of certain organisms, particularly fungi and algae, where cells have a double set of chromosomes (diploid state).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stage in the life cycle of certain organisms, particularly fungi and algae, where cells have a double set of chromosomes (diploid state).
In biology, the period in an organism's life cycle characterized by cells containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, following fertilization and preceding meiosis. It contrasts with the haploid 'haplophase'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical, neutral, and descriptive in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general corpora but standard within the relevant scientific fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “diplophase” in a Sentence
The [organism] enters diplophase.Diplophase is followed by meiosis.The [species] exhibits a prolonged diplophase.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diplophase” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The diplophase nucleus is larger.
American English
- Diplophase cells were isolated for analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
In mycology lectures, the professor explained how the diplophase in this fungus is transient and quickly undergoes meiosis.
Technical
The experimental treatment was observed to significantly prolong the diplophase in the cultured algal species, delaying sporulation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diplophase”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diplophase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diplophase”
- Misspelling as 'diplofase' or 'diplophaze'.
- Confusing it with 'diplophonia' (a medical term for double voice).
- Using it outside of a biological context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While the concept of a diploid stage applies to all eukaryotes, the specific term 'diplophase' is most commonly used in the context of fungi, algae, and some plants with clear alternation of generations. For animals, 'diploid stage' is more typical.
The diplophase is typically followed by meiosis, which reduces the chromosome number back to haploid, initiating the haplophase.
Yes, though it's rare. It can be used attributively (e.g., 'diplophase cells', 'diplophase duration') but is not a standard adjective like 'diploid'.
No, it is a highly specialized term with a C2 (Mastery) frequency level. It is almost never encountered outside of specific biological textbooks or research papers.
A stage in the life cycle of certain organisms, particularly fungi and algae, where cells have a double set of chromosomes (diploid state).
Diplophase is usually technical/scientific in register.
Diplophase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪpləʊfeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɪploʊfeɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'diplo' as in 'diploma' (a document you get from two parties: your school and the state) and 'phase' as a stage. The diplophase is the stage with two sets of chromosomes.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of the diplophase?