: failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate subsequent to metaphase in meiosis or mitosis so that one daughter cell has both and the other neither of the chromosomes

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nondisjunction was in 1913

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nondisjunction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nondisjunction. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

nondisjunction

noun
: failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate subsequent to metaphase in meiosis or mitosis so that one daughter cell has both and the other neither of the chromosomes

More from Merriam-Webster on nondisjunction

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!