trip·loid / ˈtriploid/ Genetics • adj. (of a cell or nucleus) containing three homologous sets of chromosomes. ∎  (of an organism or species) composed of triploid cells.• n. a triploid organism, variety, or species.DERIVATIVES: trip·loi·dy / ˈtriˌploidē/ n.

triploid Applied to a cell with 3 sets (3n) of chromosomes in its nucleus, or to an organism composed of such cells (as opposed for example to haploid (n) or diploid (2n) cells or organisms). See also POLYPLOIDY.

triploid Describing a nucleus, cell, or organism that has three times (3n) the haploid number (n) of chromosomes (see also polyploid). Triploid organisms are normally sterile as their lack of homologous chromosomes prevents pairing during meiosis. This can be useful to plant breeders, for example in banana cultivation: sterile triploid bananas can be propagated asexually and will not contain any seeds.

triploid Applied to a cell that has three sets (3n) of chromosomes in its nucleus, or to an organism composed of such cells (as opposed e.g. to haploid (n) or diploid (2n) cells or organisms). See also POLYPLOIDY.

triploid (trip-loid) adj. describing cells, tissues, or individuals in which there are three complete chromosome sets. Compare haploid, diploid.
—triploid n.