cytokinesis

American  

[sahy-toh-ki-nee-sis, -kahy-] / ˌsaɪ toʊ kɪˈni sɪs, -kaɪ- /

noun

Cell Biology.

1. the division of the cell cytoplasm that usually follows mitotic or meiotic division of the nucleus.

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cytokinesis British  

/ -kaɪ-, ˌsaɪtəʊkɪˈniːsɪs /

noun

1. division of the cytoplasm of a cell, occurring at the end of mitosis or meiosis

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cytokinesis Scientific  

/ sī′tō-kə-nē′sĭs,-kī- /

1. The division of the cytoplasm of a cell following the division of the nucleus during cell division.

2. See Note at mitosis

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Other Word Forms

• cytokinetic adjective

Etymology

Origin of cytokinesis

First recorded in 1915–20; cyto- + -kinesis

Example Sentences

"The temporal ratchet mechanism fundamentally alters our view of how cytokinesis works," emphasized Jan Brugués, corresponding author of the study.

From Science Daily • Feb. 28, 2026

Although the stages of mitosis are similar for most eukaryotes, the process of cytokinesis is quite different for eukaryotes that have cell walls, such as plant cells.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The zygote undergoes mitosis without cytokinesis, resulting in a single-celled, multinucleate mass visible to the naked eye.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Describe the similarities and differences between the cytokinesis mechanisms found in animal cells versus those in plant cells.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

Figure 11.17 Autopolyploidy results when mitosis is not followed by cytokinesis.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013