Zygosity
/zaɪˈɡɒsɪti/noun
The genetic similarity between paired alleles or between twins, especially whether they are identical or fraternal.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Greek zygon, “yoke,” because a zygote is formed when two reproductive cells are joined or yoked together.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*yewg-
“To join, unite, or harness together”
Ancient Greek
Greek
zygon (ζυγόν)
“A yoke; something joining or harnessing two parts”
Ancient Greek
Greek
zygotós (ζυγωτός)
“Yoked, joined, or paired”
19th Century
New Latin
zygote
“A cell formed by the union of two reproductive cells”
Early 20th Century
English
zygosity
“The condition or degree of being genetically paired or alike”
Modern English
English
zygosity
“Genetic similarity involving paired alleles or twins”