karyokinesis

2 definitions found

karyokinesis - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Karyokinesis \Kar"y*o*ki*ne`sis\
     (k[a^]r`[i^]*[-o]*k[-i]*n[=e]"s[i^]s), n. [NL., fr. Gr.
     ka`ryon a nut, kernel + kinei^n to move.]
     1. (Biol.) The indirect division of cells in which, prior to
        division of the cell protoplasm, complicated changes take
        place in the nucleus, attended with movement of the
        nuclear fibrils; -- opposed to karyostenosis. The
        nucleus becomes enlarged and convoluted, and finally the
        threads are separated into two groups which ultimately
        become disconnected and constitute the daughter nuclei.
        Called also mitosis. See Cell development, under
        Cell.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The changes that occur in the nucleus of a cell,
        especially movements of the chromosomes, in the process of
        cell division.
        [PJC]

karyokinesis - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  karyokinesis
      n 1: organic process consisting of the division of the nucleus
           of a cell during mitosis or meiosis