Main Entry: mi·to·sis

Pronunciation: \mī-ˈtō-səs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural mi·to·ses \-ˌsēz\

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek mitos thread

Date: 1887

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