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Denoting the state of a cell containing two haploid sets derived from the father and from the mother respectively; the normal chromosome complement of somatic cells (in humans, 46 chromosomes). [diplo- + G. eidos resemblance]
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dip·loid 'dip-.lȯid adj having the basic chromosome number doubled
diploid n a single cell, individual, or generation characterized by the diploid chromosome number
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adj.
describing cells, nuclei, or organisms in which each chromosome except the Y sex chromosome is represented twice. Compare haploid, triploid.
• diploid n.
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dip·loid (dipґloid) [Gr. diploos twofold] having two sets of chromosomes, as normally found in the somatic cells of eukaryotes. In humans, the diploid number, 2n>, is 46. Cf. haploid.Medical dictionary. 2011.