First Known Use: 1887
Dictionary
mitosis
noun mi·to·sis \mī-ˈtō-səs\
plural mi·to·ses\-ˌsēz\
Definition of MITOSIS
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
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Origin of MITOSIS
New Latin, from Greek mitos thread
MITOSIS Defined for Kids
mitosis
noun mi·to·sis \mī-ˈtō-səs\
plural mi·to·ses \-ˈtō-ˌsēz\
Definition of MITOSIS for Kids
: a process of cell division in which two new nuclei are formed each containing the original number of chromosomes
Medical Dictionary
mitosis
noun mi·to·sis \mī-ˈtō-səs\
plural mi·to·ses \-ˌsēz\
Medical Definition of MITOSIS
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 \-ˈtät-ik\ adjective
—mi·tot·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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