metaphase

noun

meta·phase ˈme-tə-ˌfāz

: the stage of mitosis and meiosis in which the chromosomes become arranged in the equatorial plane of the spindle

Examples of metaphase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Humanized mice had slower metaphase periods — the point in division when chromosomes align in the center of a splitting cell. —

Jason P. Dinh, Discover Magazine, 28 Dec. 2022 Meanwhile, ancestral genes sped up metaphase in the artificial human brains from 9.2 to seven minutes. —

Jason P. Dinh, Discover Magazine, 28 Dec. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of metaphase was in 1887

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Metaphase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphase. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.

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Kids Definition

metaphase

noun

meta·phase ˈmet-ə-ˌfāz

: the stage of mitosis or meiosis in which the chromosomes are arranged in the center of the dividing cell prior to their separation or splitting and movement to the poles of the cell