polycentric
/ˌpɒlɪˈsɛntrɪk/adjective
1Chiefly Science. Having several or many centres.
2 Mycology. Of the thallus of fungi of the order Chytridiales: having more than one centre of growth and development.
3 Cell Biol. Of a chromosome or chromatid: = multicentric.
4 Politics. Characterized by polycentrism.
noun
Cell Biol. A multicentric chromosome or chromatid.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Harry Marshall Ward (1854–1906). From poly- + -centric. Compare post-classical Latin policentricus, French polycentrique, Italian policentrico, all in sense ‘having several or many centres’.