sex chromosome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Scientific/Academic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “sex chromosome” mean?
A type of chromosome that determines the biological sex of an organism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of chromosome that determines the biological sex of an organism.
In most animals and some plants, one of a pair of chromosomes (typically X and Y in males or two Xs in females) that carry genes involved in sex determination and development of sexual characteristics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling follows regional norms for other words in the sentence (e.g., 'chromosome' is identical).
Connotations
Purely scientific and neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in everyday speech, but standard in relevant academic/technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “sex chromosome” in a Sentence
The [noun] has/have an abnormal sex chromosome.[noun] is determined by the sex chromosomes.The [noun] inherits one sex chromosome from each parent.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sex chromosome” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- sex-chromosome abnormality
- sex-chromosome linked disorder
American English
- sex chromosome anomaly
- sex chromosome inheritance
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; only in biotech/pharma contexts discussing genetic research or diagnostics.
Academic
Core term in biology, genetics, medicine, and related life sciences.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Might appear in popular science articles or documentaries.
Technical
Standard, precise term in genetics, cytogenetics, reproductive biology, and medical diagnostics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sex chromosome”
- Using 'sex chromosome' to refer to social gender (it's biological).
- Saying 'gender chromosome' (incorrect).
- Confusing X/Y with autosomal pairs (e.g., chromosome 21).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Sex chromosomes (X and Y) determine biological sex and carry genes for sexual development. Autosomes are the other 22 pairs of chromosomes in humans that carry most other genetic information.
Yes, conditions like Klinefelter syndrome (XXY) or Triple X syndrome (XXX) involve an extra sex chromosome due to errors in cell division.
No. Sex determination varies widely. Some species use environmental cues (like temperature in some reptiles), haplodiploidy (as in bees), or have no distinct sex chromosomes at all.
No. 'Sex chromosome' is the correct scientific term referring to biological sex determination. 'Gender' refers to social, cultural, and personal identity, which is not determined by chromosomes alone. The term 'gender chromosome' is not scientifically accepted.
A type of chromosome that determines the biological sex of an organism.
Sex chromosome is usually scientific/academic/technical in register.
Sex chromosome: in British English it is pronounced /ˌseks ˈkrəʊ.mə.səʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌseks ˈkroʊ.mə.soʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SEX' determines male/female; 'CHROMOSOME' carries genes. A 'sex chromosome' is the gene-carrier that decides biological sex.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PAIR OF INSTRUCTIONS (for building a male or female body).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is an example of a sex chromosome?