First Known Use: 1550
Dictionary
meiosis
noun mei·o·sis \mī-ˈō-səs\
Definition of MEIOSIS
1
: the presentation of a thing with underemphasis especially in order to achieve a greater effect : understatement
2
: the cellular process that results in the number of chromosomes in gamete-producing cells being reduced to one half and that involves a reduction division in which one of each pair of homologous chromosomes passes to each daughter cell and a mitotic division — compare mitosis
— mei·ot·ic \mī-ˈä-tik\ adjective
— mei·ot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of MEIOSIS
New Latin, from Greek meiōsis diminution, from meioun to diminish, from meiōn less; akin to Sanskrit mīyate he diminishes
Medical Dictionary
meiosis
noun mei·o·sis \mī-ˈō-səs\
plural mei·o·ses \-ˌsēz\
Medical Definition of MEIOSIS
: the cellular process that results in the number of chromosomes in gamete-producing cells being reduced to one half and that involves a reduction division in which one of each pair of homologous chromosomes passes to each daughter cell and a mitotic division—compare mitosis 1
—mei·ot·ic \mī-ˈät-ik\ adjective
—mei·ot·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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