chiasma noun,
pl -mata [X-shaped configuration, fr. Gk crosspiece,
fr. chiazein to mark with a chi, fr. chi (letter
X)] 1: an anatomical intersection or decussation
? compare optic chiasma 2: a cross-shaped configuration
of paired chromatids visible in the diplotene
of meiotic prophase and considered the cytological
equivalent of genetic crossing-over.
chiasmus, noun
(fr. Gk chiasmos, fr. chiazein to mark with
a chi (X)): an inverted relationship between
the syntactic elements of parallel phrases
(as in Goldsmith's to stop too fearful,
and too faint to go).
optic chiasma:
the X-shaped partial decussation on the undersurface
of the hypothalamus through which the optic
nerves are continuous with the brain.
(Merriam-Webster's Collegiate
Dictionary, 10th edition) |
f
