tetraploid
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈtɛtrəˌplɔɪd/
KK: /tɛtrəˌplɔɪd/
adjective
Definition
Referring to an organism or cell that has four sets of chromosomes instead of the usual two sets.
Example
The tetraploid plant species can produce larger fruits than its diploid relatives.
Conversation
Did you know that some plants can be tetraploid?
Really? What does that mean exactly?
It means they have four times the normal number of chromosomes.
Wow, that's fascinating! I had no idea plants could have that many.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
quadruploid
fourfold
tetrad
Antonyms
noun
Definition
An organism or cell that has four complete sets of chromosomes, which is more than the usual two sets found in diploid organisms.
Example
The scientist studied a tetraploid plant to understand its genetic variations.
Conversation
Did you know that some plants are tetraploid?
Really? I’ve never heard that term before.
Yeah, it means they have four sets of chromosomes.
Root Explanation
Tetraploid → It is formed from "tetra-" (from Greek "tetra", meaning four) and "ploid" (from Greek "ploides", meaning having a certain number of sets). The word "tetraploid" refers to an organism or cell that has four sets of chromosomes.
Memory Tip
Think of 'tetra-' meaning four, and 'ploid' relating to sets — so a tetraploid is something that has four sets.
Visually Confused Words
autotetraploid
pentaploid
heptaploid
autotetraploidy