'chromosome' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'χρῶμα' (chroma) meaning 'color' and 'σῶμα' (soma) meaning 'body'.

'χρῶμα' and 'σῶμα' combined to form the German word 'Chromosom', which eventually became the modern English word 'chromosome'.

Initially, it referred to 'colored body' due to the staining techniques used to view them, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'genetic material carrier'.