cell division

American  

noun

Biology.

1. the division of a cell in reproduction or growth.

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cell division British  

noun

1. cytology the division of a cell into two new cells during growth or reproduction See amitosis meiosis mitosis

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cell division Scientific  

1. The process by which a cell divides into two or more cells. Among prokaryotes, cell division occurs by simple fission. Among eukaryotes, the cell nucleus divides first, and then a new cell membrane is formed between the nuclei to form the new cell. Cell division is used as a means of reproduction in organisms that reproduce asexually, as by fission or spore formation, and sexually reproducing organisms form gametes through cell division. Cell division is also the source of tissue growth and repair in multicellular organisms. The two types of cell division in eukaryotic organisms are mitosis and meiosis.

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Etymology

Origin of cell division

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The researchers also found that increasing cell division in adult mice changed the outcome.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2026

An ancient system once used to separate DNA during cell division has been repurposed into a cytoskeleton-like structure that helps determine cell shape.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

Dynamic protein behavior is essential for many biological processes, including sensing environmental changes, making decisions inside cells, and controlling cell division.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

This work introduces a new framework for understanding cell division in large, yolk rich embryos and could apply to many egg laying species.

From Science Daily • Feb. 28, 2026

Many of the most distinguished research men in this field look with suspicion on any agent that damages the chromosomes, interferes with cell division, or causes mutations.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson