monoploid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Extremely RareTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “monoploid” mean?
Having a single set of chromosomes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Having a single set of chromosomes.
Used to describe a cell or organism containing only one complete set of chromosomes, typical of gametes (sperm or egg cells), or organisms whose life cycle includes a dominant haploid phase.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Usage is confined to identical scientific registers in both variants.
Connotations
None beyond the precise scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, limited to genetics, cytology, and botany texts.
Grammar
How to Use “monoploid” in a Sentence
a monoploid [noun]to be monoploidVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monoploid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The moss generation you see here is monoploid.
- Researchers induced the tissue to become monoploid.
American English
- The drone bee is monoploid, developing from an unfertilized egg.
- A monoploid cell contains half the genetic material of a somatic cell.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in advanced biology, genetics, and botany papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Describes chromosome count in research on fungi, algae, plant breeding, and certain insect species.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monoploid”
- Using 'monoploid' to describe a single chromosome instead of a single set of chromosomes.
- Confusing it with 'monopolise' in spelling or pronunciation.
- Using it in a non-biological context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In strict usage, 'haploid' (n) refers to having half the chromosome number of a diploid somatic cell. 'Monoploid' (x) refers to the basic chromosome set of a species. A tetraploid organism (4x) still produces haploid gametes (2n). However, for organisms that are normally diploid, the terms are used interchangeably.
No, it is an exclusively biological/technical term with no application in general business, law, or everyday language.
No. Humans are diploid organisms. Our somatic cells have two sets of chromosomes. Only our gametes (sperm and egg) are haploid/monoploid. A human zygote with only one set of chromosomes (monoploid) is not viable and would not develop.
It is crucial in plant breeding and genetics research. Creating monoploid plants from cultured pollen grains allows breeders to double the chromosomes, instantly creating genetically pure (homozygous) diploid lines, significantly speeding up the development of new crop varieties.
Having a single set of chromosomes.
Monoploid is usually technical / scientific in register.
Monoploid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒnəplɔɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːnəplɔɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MONO' (meaning one) and 'PLOID' (relating to chromosomes). A MONOpoid has one set of chromosomes.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SINGLE SUIT of playing cards (one complete set), versus a double deck (diploid).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary synonym for 'monoploid' in genetics?