synaptonemal complex
noun
syn·ap·to·ne·mal complex sə-ˌnap-tə-ˈnē-məl- 
variants or less commonly synaptinemal complex
sə-ˌnap-tə-ˈnē-məl-
: a complex tripartite protein structure that spans the region between synapsed chromosomes in meiotic prophase
Word History
Etymology
synaptic + -o- or -i- + Greek nēma thread — more at nemat-
First Known Use
1958, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
synaptonemal complex
noun
syn·ap·to·ne·mal complex sə-ˌnap-tə-ˌnē-məl-
variants or synaptinemal complex
same
: a complex tripartite protein structure that spans the region between synapsed chromosomes in meiotic prophase