Skip to content

chromosome

chromosome

noun kroh-moh-ZOHM Rare

Origin: Greek khroma (colour) + soma (body)

Usage Note

Chromosome is masculine in French despite ending in a silent e. The adjective is chromosomique (anomalie chromosomique — chromosomal abnormality). Humans have 46 chromosomes (chromosomes), and the pair that determines biological sex is referred to as les chromosomes sexuels.

Examples

"Chaque cellule contient 46 chromosomes."

Natural Translation

Each cell contains 46 chromosomes.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Explore French by topic