crossing-over

noun

cross·​ing-over ˌkrȯ-siŋ-ˈō-vər 

: an interchange of genes or segments between homologous chromosomes

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

crossing-over

noun

cross·​ing-over

ˌkrȯ-siŋ-ˈō-vər

: an exchange of genes or chromosome segments between corresponding parts of similar but usually not identical chromosomes during meiosis

Medical Definition

crossing-over

noun

cross·​ing-over ˌkrȯ-siŋ-ˈō-vər 

: an interchange of genes or segments between homologous chromosomes