mitosis
mi.to.sis \mi--'to--s*s\ \-'to--.se-z\ \-'ta:t-ik\ \-i-k(*-)le-\ n or mi.to.ses [NL, fr. Gk mitos thread] pl 1: cell division in which complex nuclear division usu. involving halving o f chromosomes precedes cytoplasmic fission and which involves typically a series of steps consisting of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase 2: KARYOKINESIS - mi.tot.ic aj