haploid

Definition

Having the number of chromosomes that a typical gamete has (in the given organism), namely, half the number that a typical somatic cell has (in the given organism).

Etymology

From haplo- + -oid.

Example Sentences

• "Examples of haploid cells are prokaryotes and the gametes of eukaryotes."
• "It has been shown, however, that triploid forms producing diploid gametes in one sex and haploid ones in the other sex can act as a stepping stone towards tetraploidization (triploid bridge; [ 93 – 95 ])."