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metaphase
noun
meta·phase
ˈme-tə-ˌfāz
: the stage of mitosis and meiosis in which the chromosomes become arranged in the equatorial plane of the spindle
Examples of metaphase in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Humanized mice had slower metaphase periods — the point in division when chromosomes align in the center of a splitting cell.
—Jason P. Dinh, Discover Magazine, 28 Dec. 2022
Meanwhile, ancestral genes sped up metaphase in the artificial human brains from 9.2 to seven minutes.
—Jason P. Dinh, Discover Magazine, 28 Dec. 2022
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Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
1887, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing metaphase
Dictionary Entries Near metaphase
Cite this Entry
“Metaphase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphase. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
metaphase
noun
meta·phase
ˈmet-ə-ˌfāz
: the stage of mitosis or meiosis in which the chromosomes are arranged in the center of the dividing cell prior to their separation or splitting and movement to the poles of the cell
Medical Definition
metaphase
noun
meta·phase
ˈmet-ə-ˌfāz
: the stage of mitosis and meiosis in which the chromosomes become arranged in the equatorial plane of the spindle
More from Merriam-Webster on metaphase
Nglish: Translation of metaphase for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about metaphase
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