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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Cite this Entry
“Metaphase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphase. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Medical Definition
metaphase
noun
meta·phase
ˈmet-ə-ˌfāz
: the stage of mitosis and meiosis in which the chromosomes become arranged in the equatorial plane of the spindle
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share