Definition of MIOSIS

miosis

Meanings

Plural: mioses

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)
  • reflex contraction of the sphincter muscle of the iris in response to a bright light (or certain drugs) causing the pupil to become smaller
  • Contraction of the pupil of the eye.
  • Alternative spelling of meiosis.

Origin / Etymology

From Ancient Greek μύω (múō, “to close the eyes”) + -osis.

Synonyms

light reflex, meiosis, myosis, pupillary reflex, reduction division

Antonyms

mydriasis

Scrabble Score: 8

miosis is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
miosis is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
miosis is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 9

miosis is a valid Words With Friends word