Y chromosome

noun

: a sex chromosome that is characteristic of male cells in species in which the male typically has two unlike sex chromosomes compare x chromosome

Examples of Y chromosome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Biological females typically have two X chromosomes (XX), and biological males typically have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). Loreben Tuquero, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Aug. 2024 According to the National Health Service in England, the presence of X and Y chromosomes in women can only be determined with chromosomal testing, usually given in the form of an ultrasound or a blood test. Mark Puleo, The Athletic, 3 Aug. 2024 Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news A simple difference in the genetic code – two X chromosomes versus one X chromosome and one Y chromosome – can lead to major differences in heart disease. Amy Huebschmann, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024 The ovum carries an X chromosome, while sperm cells can carry either an X or a Y chromosome. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024 At the time of their disqualifications, the president of the International Boxing Association, which governs the World Boxing Championships, alleged that the boxers’ chromosome tests came back as XY (women typically have two X chromosomes, while men typically have an X and a Y chromosome). Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 30 July 2024 Females usually have two X chromosomes, while males tend to have one X and one Y chromosome. Devika Rao, theweek, 14 Mar. 2024 The tests strongly indicated that Eston had the same Y chromosome mutations seen in the Jefferson lineage. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Baltimore Sun, 4 May 2024 How the female body handles its extra X chromosome (the male body has just one plus a Y chromosome) might be a factor that helps explain why women are more susceptible to these types of disorders, a new study has suggested. Katie Hunt, CNN, 9 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Y chromosome was in 1911

Dictionary Entries Near Y chromosome

Cite this Entry

“Y chromosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Y%20chromosome. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

Y chromosome

noun
: a sex chromosome that is associated with maleness and occurs only in male cells paired with an X chromosome in organisms (as human beings) in which the male normally has two unlike sex chromosomes compare x chromosome

Medical Definition

Y chromosome

noun
: a sex chromosome that is characteristic of male cells in species in which the male typically has two unlike sex chromosomes compare x chromosome

More from Merriam-Webster on Y chromosome

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!