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 Y chromosome is especially vulnerable during cell division.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

In some cases, illness or tissue repair may lead to increased cell division, which could raise the chance of losing the chromosome.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

This cluster contains the genetic information needed to produce proteins responsible for both cell division and the construction of the bacterial cell wall.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026

Centromeres are the specific sites on chromosomes where cellular machinery attaches during cell division.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 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