Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not centered or having no center: Describes something that lacks a central point or is positioned away from a center.
   • (Biology) Lacking a centromere: Specifically in genetics, describes a chromosome or chromosome fragment that does not possess a centromere, the structure essential for proper chromosome segregation during cell division.

Usage Examples

• General (lacking a center):
  • The artist created an acentric composition, deliberately avoiding any focal point.
  • The debate was acentric, with no single clear leader emerging.
• Biological (lacking a centromere):
  • Acentric chromosome fragments are often lost during cell division.
  • The mutation resulted in an acentric chromosome that could not align properly.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Scientific Context: The term is primarily used in specialized fields like biology, genetics, art criticism, or geometry to describe the absence of a central structure or focus.
  • In cytogenetics, acentric fragments are a sign of chromosomal damage.

Variants and Related Words

• Eccentric (adj): Deviating from the center or from what is conventional. (Note: "Eccentric" implies being off-center or unconventional, while "acentric" implies a complete absence of a center).
• Centric (adj): Having a center; located at or near the center. (This is the direct antonym).

Synonyms

• Noncentral
• Uncentered
• (Biology) Acentromeric

Antonyms

• Centered
• Central
• (Biology) Metacentric (having a centromere in the middle), Telocentric (having a terminal centromere).

Adjective

1. not centered or having no center
2. lacking a centromere
   • an acentric chromosome fragment