cromosoma
/kro.moˈsɔ.ma/masculine
The English word "chromosome" is cromosoma in Italian.
The term refers to the structure within the cell nucleus.
Meaning: structure in the cell nucleus (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular masculine noun is cromosoma, and its plural form is cromosomi. If you need to use an adjective related to chromosomes, use cromosomico for masculine contexts or cromosomica for feminine contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/kro.moˈsɔ.ma/. The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'chromosomes' to describe the structures, an Italian doctor might refer to a 'corredo cromosomico', which translates literally to a 'chromosomal outfit' or 'wardrobe'.
- The Italian word cromosoma is a masculine noun despite ending in -a, which typically denotes feminine words in Italian.
- The word cromosoma is built from the Greek roots for 'color' and 'body'. This name was chosen because the structures became visible under a microscope only after being treated with colored dyes.
Examples in context
- In questo studio abbiamo analizzato i cromosomi umani.In this study, we analyzed human chromosomes.
- Ogni cromosoma contiene informazioni genetiche.Each chromosome contains genetic information.
- Un cromosoma può subire delle mutazioni.A chromosome can undergo mutations.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are studying biology together in a library.
- FrancescoPuoi spiegarmi cos'è un cromosoma?Can you explain to me what a chromosome is?
- GiuliaCerto, è una struttura importante nel nucleo della cellula.Sure, it is an important structure in the cell nucleus.
- FrancescoQuindi ogni cromosoma porta il nostro DNA?So each chromosome carries our DNA?
- GiuliaEsattamente, Francesco.Exactly, Francesco.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chromosome” translations and entries cromosoma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cromosoma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
