Bivalents refer to a pair of homologous chromosomes that come together during meiosis. A few synonyms for bivalents include tetrad, chromosome pair, homologous pair, and synapsed chromosomes. These terms all refer to the same concept of two chromosomes that have paired up to exchange genetic material. Additionally, bivalents can be broken down into smaller parts called chiasmata, which are the points at which genetic material is exchanged between the two chromosomes. Understanding the terminology related to meiosis and genetics is crucial for those studying biology, as it allows for better communication and comprehension of the complex processes that occur during cell division.