miosis

/maɪˈoʊsəs/

Definitions of miosis

1. noun

   (genetics) cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms; the nucleus divides into four nuclei each containing half the chromosome number (leading to gametes in animals and spores in plants)
   synonyms: meiosis, reduction division

   types:

   nondisjunction

   meiosis in which there is a failure of paired homologous chromosomes to separate; results in an abnormal number of chromosomes in the daughter cells

   type of:

   cell division, cellular division

   the process in reproduction and growth by which a cell divides to form daughter cells
2. noun

   reflex contraction of the sphincter muscle of the iris in response to a bright light (or certain drugs) causing the pupil to become smaller
   synonyms: light reflex, myosis, pupillary reflex

   type of:

   inborn reflex, innate reflex, instinctive reflex, physiological reaction, reflex, reflex action, reflex response, unconditioned reflex

   an automatic instinctive unlearned reaction to a stimulus