karyotype

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the complete chromosome set of an individual or species, considered by number and visible structure

   The normal human karyotype contains 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs.

2. 2
   noun

   an image or diagram in which a cell's chromosomes are arranged for examination

   The laboratory prepared a karyotype to check for an extra chromosome.

Borrowed through Russian kariotip, formed from karyo- (from Ancient Greek karyon, "kernel, nucleus") + type. The name refers to the characteristic form of a cell's nuclear chromosome set.

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