synapsis

syn·ap·sis  (s-npss)

n. pl. syn·ap·ses (-sz)

The side-by-side association of homologous paternal and maternal chromosomes during the first prophase of meiosis.

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[New Latin, from Greek sunapsis, point of contact; see synapse.]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

synapsis - the side by side pairing of homologous maternal and paternal chromosomes at the start of meiosis leptotene - the first stage of the prophase of meiosis biological process, organic process - a process occurring in living organisms