amitosis

noun

ami·​to·​sis ˌā-mī-ˈtō-səs 

: 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 

adjective

amitotically

ˌā-mī-ˈtä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

amitosis

noun

ami·​to·​sis ˌā-mī-ˈtō-səs 

plural amitoses -ˌsēz 

: 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 

adjective

amitotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb