nondisjunction

/ˌnɑndɪsˈdʒʌŋ(k)ʃ(ə)n/

Definitions of nondisjunction

1. noun

   meiosis in which there is a failure of paired homologous chromosomes to separate; results in an abnormal number of chromosomes in the daughter cells
   type of:

   meiosis, miosis, reduction division

   (genetics) cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms; the nucleus divides into four nuclei each containing half the chromosome number (leading to gametes in animals and spores in plants)