Chromosomes are a thread-like structure which contains DNA and proteins that are found in the nucleus of most living cells and they carry the genetic information in the form of genes.
The word chromosome is derived from the Greek word chroma meaning "colour" and soma meaning "body".
They are highly staining bodies when stained with particular dyes.
The term was coined by von Waldeyer-Hartz in relation to the term chromatin which was introduced by Walther Flemming.