Main Entry: mi·to·sis

Pronunciation: \mī-ˈtō-səs\

Function: noun

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

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

[mitosis illustration]

2 : cell division in which mitosis occurs

—mi·tot·ic \-ˈtät-ik\ adjective

—mi·tot·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb