karyotype

noun

UK /ˈkær.i.ə.taɪp/

US /ˈker.i.oʊ.taɪp/

A karyotype is a picture of all the chromosomes in a cell, lined up by size.

The doctor looked at the karyotype to check the baby's chromosomes.

SYNONYMS

chromosome picture chromosome map chromosome profile chromosomal image

RELATED WORDS

chromosome gene DNA genome cell

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The complete set of chromosomes in a cell or species, described by number and shape.

Humans have a karyotype of 46 chromosomes.

3. The process of photographing and arranging chromosomes for study.

The lab performed a karyotype to look for missing chromosomes.

4. To determine the chromosome makeup of a cell or organism.

Scientists karyotyped the plant to compare it with related species.