metaphase

noun

meta·​phase ˈme-tə-ˌfāz How to pronounce metaphase (audio)
: 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metaphase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metaphase was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near metaphase

Cite this Entry

“Metaphase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphase. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

metaphase

noun
meta·​phase ˈmet-ə-ˌfāz How to pronounce metaphase (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce metaphase (audio)
: the stage of mitosis and meiosis in which the chromosomes become arranged in the equatorial plane of the spindle

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