mitosis
[ mahy-toh-sis ]
/ maɪˈtoʊ sɪs /
noun Cell Biology.
the usual method of cell division, characterized typically by the resolving of the chromatin of the nucleus into a threadlike form, which condenses into chromosomes, each of which separates longitudinally into two parts, one part of each chromosome being retained in each of two new cells resulting from the original cell.
Nearby words
Compare meiosis.
Origin of mitosis
Related forms
mi·tot·ic [mahy-tot-ik] /maɪˈtɒt ɪk/, adjectivemi·tot·i·cal·ly, adverbin·ter·mi·tot·ic, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for mitosis
British Dictionary definitions for mitosis
mitosis
/ (maɪˈtəʊsɪs, mɪ-) /
noun
a method of cell division, in which the nucleus divides into daughter nuclei, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleusCompare prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, meiosis (def. 1)
Derived Forms
mitotic (maɪˈtɒtɪk, mɪ-), adjectivemitotically, adverbWord Origin for mitosis
C19: from New Latin, from Greek mitos thread
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for mitosis
mitosis
[ mī-tō′sĭs ]
n. pl. mi•to•ses (-sēz)
The process in cell division by which the nucleus divides, typically in four stages (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase) resulting in two new nuclei, each of which has exactly the same chromosome and DNA content as the original cell.indirect nuclear division karyokinesis mitotic division
The entire process of cell division including division of the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
Related forms
mi•tot′ic (-tŏt′ĭk) adj.mi•tot′i•cal•ly adv.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for mitosis
mitosis
[ mī-tō′sĭs ]
The process in cell division in eukaryotes in which the nucleus divides to produce two new nuclei, each having the same number and type of chromosomes as the original. Prior to mitosis, each chromosome is replicated to form two identical strands (called chromatids). As mitosis begins, the chromosomes line up along the center of the cell by attaching to the fibers of the cell spindle. The pairs of chromatids then separate, each strand of a pair moving to an opposite end of the cell. When a new membrane forms around each of the two groups of chromosomes, division of the nucleus is complete. The four main phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Compare meiosis.
Related forms
mitotic adjective (mī-tŏt′ĭk)The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Culture definitions for mitosis
mitosis
[ (meye-toh-sis) ]
Division of a single cell into two identical “daughter” cells. Each daughter cell has an identical number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Mitosis begins when the DNA in the parent cell replicates itself; it ends with two cells having the same genes (see genetics). Most cells in the human body, and all single-celled organisms, reproduce through mitosis. (Compare meiosis.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.