mitosis

mi·to·sis

noun \mī-ˈtō-səs\

plural mi·to·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of MITOSIS

1

: a process that takes place in the nucleus of a dividing cell, involves typically a series of steps consisting of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, and results in the formation of two new nuclei each having the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus — compare meiosis

2

: cell division in which mitosis occurs

— mi·tot·ic \-ˈtä-tik\ adjective

— mi·tot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin of MITOSIS

New Latin, from Greek mitos thread

First Known Use: 1887

Rhymes with MITOSIS

cirrhosis, hypnosis, kenosis, lordosis, meiosis, miosis, narcosis, necrosis, neurosis, orthosis, osmosis, prognosis, psychosis, sclerosis, stenosis, thrombosis