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leptotene

Syllabification: (lep·to·tene)
Pronunciation: /ˈleptəˌtēn/

Definition of leptotene

noun

Biology
  • the first stage of the prophase of meiosis, during which each chromosome becomes visible as two fine threads (chromatids).

Origin:

early 20th century: from lepto- 'narrow, fine' + Greek tainia 'band, ribbon'

leptotene in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of leptotene in the British & World English dictionary

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