kinetochore

noun

ki·​net·​o·​chore kə-ˈne-tə-ˌkȯr How to pronounce kinetochore (audio)
kī-
1
: centromere
2
: a specialized structure on the centromere to which the microtubular spindle fibers attach during mitosis and meiosis

Word History

Etymology

kinet- + Greek chōros place

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kinetochore was in 1934

Rhymes for kinetochore

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Browse Nearby Words

kinetin
kinetochore
kinetogenesis
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Cite this Entry

“Kinetochore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kinetochore. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

kinetochore

noun
ki·​neto·​chore kə-ˈnet-ə-ˌkō(ə)r How to pronounce kinetochore (audio) kī- How to pronounce kinetochore (audio)
-ˌkȯ(ə)r
1
: centromere
2
: a specialized structure on the centromere to which the microtubular spindle fibers attach during mitosis and meiosis
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