Definition

Noun A change from the normal structure or number of chromosomes in a cell. Such changes often lead to physical or mental developmental differences or health conditions.

Usage

The term is used primarily in genetics, biology, and medicine to describe a category of genetic disorders. It is a formal, scientific term. - It refers to the event or condition itself. - It is often discussed in contexts of diagnosis, research, or inheritance.

Examples

• Down syndrome is caused by a chromosomal aberration called trisomy 21.
• The geneticist identified a chromosomal aberration in the patient's karyotype.
• Some chromosomal aberrations occur spontaneously during the formation of reproductive cells.

Advanced Usage

• "Constitutional chromosomal aberration": An aberration present in all cells of an individual's body, typically present from conception.
• "Acquired or somatic chromosomal aberration": An aberration that occurs in certain cells of the body after conception, often linked to cancers like leukemia.

Variants and Related Words

• Chromosomal abnormality: A very common synonym with identical meaning.
• Chromosome disorder: A broader term focusing on the resulting medical condition.
• Aneuploidy: A specific type of chromosomal aberration involving an abnormal number of chromosomes (e.g., one extra or one missing).
• Structural aberration: A type of chromosomal aberration involving changes in a chromosome's structure, such as deletions, duplications, inversions, or translocations.

Synonyms

• Chromosomal abnormality
• Chromosome anomaly
• Cytogenetic abnormality

Related Phrases

• "Carry a chromosomal aberration": To have such a change in one's genetic makeup.
  • The prenatal test revealed the fetus carried a chromosomal aberration.
• "Result from a chromosomal aberration": To be caused by such a change.
  • The developmental delays resulted from a rare chromosomal aberration.

Noun

1. any change in the normal structure or number of chromosomes; often results in physical or mental abnormalities