diaster

[ dahy-as-ter ]

noun

Cell Biology.

1. the stage in mitosis at which the chromosomes, after their division and separation, are grouped near the poles of the spindle.

diaster

/ daɪˈæstə /

noun

1. rare.
   cytology the stage in cell division at which the chromosomes are in two groups at the poles of the spindle before forming daughter nuclei

Derived Forms

• diˈastral, adjective

Other Word Forms

• di·astral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diaster¹

First recorded in 1880–85; di- ¹ + -aster ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of diaster¹

C19: from di- ¹+ Greek astēr star

Example Sentences

Flooding on Friday also killed at least one person in Badakhshan, a mountainous eastern province, where it destroyed homes, small dams and bridges and killed 2,000 livestock, the provincial diaster management department said.

From New York Times

A magnitude 9.0 quake on March, 11, 2011, off Japan’s northeastern coast, triggered a massive tsunami, killed more than 18,000 and triggered a nuclear diaster.

From Seattle Times

When asked why he wasn’t ordering an evacuation of Nikopol if the nation’s leaders truly believe a nuclear diaster is in the offing, he said: “I wish people would leave but we can’t force them. Ukraine is a free country and nothing has happened — yet.”

From New York Times

The question is whether the two sides of Sam Altman are ultimately compatible: Does it make sense to ride that curve if it could end in diaster?

From New York Times

Itaewon has been declared a “special diaster zone” since last Sunday.

From New York Times