noun

mitosis

my-TOH-sis

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Mitosis (noun) means the process by which a cell divides to produce two new cells, each with a complete and identical set of chromosomes. Example: “The textbook diagram showed the four main stages of mitosis.”

noun

The process by which a cell divides to produce two new cells, each with a complete and identical set of chromosomes.

"The textbook diagram showed the four main stages of mitosis."

"Skin cells are replaced constantly through mitosis."

How to use mitosis

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe way one cell splits into two identical copies of itself.

When to use it

Technical biology term, standard in schools and scientific writing.

Memory tip

Remember mitosis makes 'twins' (two identical cells) and meiosis makes 'halves' (four cells with half the chromosomes).

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

meiosis → cytokinesis binary fission

Common pairings

undergo mitosis stages of mitosis mitosis and meiosis cells divide by mitosis

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “mitosis” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The textbook diagram showed the four main stages of _____.

Etymology

From Greek mitos, meaning 'thread', with the suffix -osis, after the thread-like appearance of the chromosomes during division.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for mitosis

meiosis osmosis stenosis acidosis necrosis neurosis hypnosis fibrosis silicosis diagnosis prognosis symbiosis

See all rhymes for mitosis →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell and have the full number of chromosomes. Meiosis produces four cells with half the number of chromosomes, and it is used to make sex cells such as eggs and sperm. Mitosis is for growth and repair; meiosis is for reproduction.

What are the stages of mitosis?

The stages are prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase, usually followed by cytokinesis, in which the cell body itself splits. Some courses add prometaphase between prophase and metaphase.

Is mitosis the same as cell division?

Not quite. Mitosis is the division of the nucleus and its chromosomes; cytokinesis is the division of the rest of the cell. Together they make up the complete process of cell division.

What is the meaning of mitosis?

"mitosis" (noun) means the process by which a cell divides to produce two new cells, each with a complete and identical set of chromosomes.