Word
mitosis
Phoneticsmi·to·sis
UK/maɪtˈəʊsɪs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the way one cell splits to make two new cells that are exactly the same. You see it when living things grow or repair damaged tissue.
n. cell division in which a single parent cell produces two genetically identical daughter cells through ordered chromosome segregation. Typically described in four main stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase.
Examples
“Mitosis creates two new cells from one old cell.”
“In biology class students watch onion cells undergoing mitosis under the microscope.”
“After DNA replication, mitosis ensures each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes, preserving genetic stability across generations of cells.”
Examples
simple
“Mitosis creates two new cells from one old cell.”
contextual
“In biology class students watch onion cells undergoing mitosis under the microscope.”
complex
“After DNA replication, mitosis ensures each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes, preserving genetic stability across generations of cells.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “mitosis” in context.
Verb
01. complete mitosis
“The cell completes mitosis in about an hour under normal conditions.”
verb + noun
02. inhibit mitosis
“Certain drugs inhibit mitosis to stop cancer cells dividing.”
verb + noun
03. mitosis fails
“If mitosis fails, cells may die or become abnormal.”
noun + verb
04. mitosis occurs
“Mitosis occurs during growth and when tissue needs repair.”
noun + verb
05. mitosis produces
“Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. abnormal mitosis
“Scientists observed abnormal mitosis after exposure to radiation.”
adj + noun
07. normal mitosis
“Healthy tissue shows normal mitosis during regular growth and repair.”
adj + noun
08. rapid mitosis
“The slide showed rapid mitosis in the growing root tip.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. process of mitosis
“Students learned the process of mitosis using a microscope.”
noun + prep + noun
10. complete the stages of mitosis
“The cell must complete the stages of mitosis accurately.”
11. divide by mitosis
“Skin cells divide by mitosis to repair a wound.”
12. observe mitosis under a microscope
“Students observed mitosis under a microscope in the lab.”
Real-World Examples
“The species, named Incendiamoeba cascadensis, was able to perform cellular division, called mitosis, at up to 145.4 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) and stay active at up to 147.2 F (64 C), continuing to find food and explore its environment.” Etymology
From German Mitose, from Ancient Greek μίτος (mítos, “thread”) + -osis, probably in reference to the thread-like chromatin seen during mitosis.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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