amitosis

noun

ami·​to·​sis ˌā-mī-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce amitosis (audio)
: cell division by simple cleavage of the nucleus and division of the cytoplasm without spindle formation or appearance of chromosomes
amitotic adjective
amitotically adverb

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + mitosis, after amitotic, borrowed from German amitotisch

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amitosis was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near amitosis

Cite this Entry

“Amitosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amitosis. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

amitosis

noun
ami·​to·​sis ˌā-mī-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce amitosis (audio)
plural amitoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce amitosis (audio)
: cell division by simple cleavage of the nucleus and division of the cytoplasm without spindle formation or appearance of chromosomes

called also direct cell division

amitotic adjective
amitotically adverb
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