amitosis

noun

ami·​to·​sis ˌā-mī-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce amitosis (audio)
: cell division by simple cleavage of the nucleus and division of the cytoplasm without spindle formation or appearance of chromosomes
amitotic
ˌā-mī-ˈtä-tik How to pronounce amitosis (audio)
adjective
amitotically
ˌā-mī-ˈtä-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce amitosis (audio)
adverb

Word History

Etymology

a- entry 2 + mitosis, after amitotic, borrowed from German amitotisch

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amitosis was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near amitosis

amitate

amitosis

amitraz

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Amitosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amitosis. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

amitosis

noun
ami·​to·​sis ˌā-mī-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce amitosis (audio)
plural amitoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce amitosis (audio)
: cell division by simple cleavage of the nucleus and division of the cytoplasm without spindle formation or appearance of chromosomes

called also direct cell division

amitotic
-ˈtät-ik How to pronounce amitosis (audio)
adjective
amitotically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce amitosis (audio)
adverb
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