Karyokinesis

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

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