polytene

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpɒlɪtiːn/

adjective

Genetics
  • relating to or denoting a giant chromosome which is composed of many parallel copies of the genetic material, as found in Drosophila fruit flies where they are much used in genetic research.

Origin:

1930s: from poly- 'many' + -tene (from Greek tainia 'band, ribbon') denoting stages of the first meiotic division