What does synapsis mean?
Synapsis is a formal, learned noun with several technical senses. In neuroscience, it refers to the specialized junction where an axon terminal communicates with another neuron, often through chemical neurotransmitters. In cell biology, synapsis is the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, a process essential to stable gamete formation. In rhetoric, the term describes the juxtaposition of clauses or phrases without a conjunction. These meanings share an underlying idea of joining: neural cells meeting, chromosomes aligning, or linguistic elements placed beside one another. Synapsis is not usually needed in everyday conversation, but it is especially useful in discussions of neuroscience, cell division, and formal rhetoric. The related but more familiar word synapse is the standard term for a neuronal junction, whereas synapsis can also name the act of joining and the chromosomal process. Recognizing these related but distinct uses prevents confusion in scientific and literary contexts.
nounIn neuroscience, synapsis denotes the specialized junction or joining between two neurons, where signals pass from one cell to the other. In cell biology, it also denotes the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis; in rhetoric, it refers to the juxtaposition of clauses or phrases without a conjunction.
- In neuroscience, the specialized junction or joining between two neurons through which signals are passed.
- In cell biology, the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.
- In rhetoric, the juxtaposition of two or more clauses or phrases without a conjunction.
"At the synapsis, neurotransmitter release allows one neuron to influence the next."
"At the synapsis, neurotransmitter release allows one neuron to influence the next."
"During meiosis, synapsis enables homologous chromosomes to align and undergo recombination."
"The poet's synapsis of celebration and mourning gives the line its emotional tension."
The plural is standard in biological and rhetorical contexts.
"Repeated stimulation can alter the strength of individual synapses."
Synapsis does double duty: it names both the meeting point of neurons and the pairing of chromosomes during cell division.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of synapsis
The word was borrowed into English from New Latin, which took it from Greek synapsis, meaning “a joining or connection” and derived from synaptein, “to join together.” The Greek verb combines syn-, meaning “together” or “with,” with haptein, meaning “to fasten” or “attach.” Early English use was chiefly rhetorical, while later biological applications produced related words such as synapse, synaptic, synaptogenesis, and synaptosome.
Related word forms
How synapsis is actually used
The biological senses are specialist scientific terms, while the rhetorical sense belongs to formal literary criticism. The word is uncommon in everyday speech.
Easily confused with synapsis
A synapse is the specialized junction itself, whereas synapsis can denote the joining of neurons and also the pairing of homologous chromosomes during meiosis.