WordWeb Online

1. (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)
   - miosis, reduction division
    
2. Understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary)
   "saying 'I was not a little upset' when you mean 'I was very upset' is an example of meiosis";
   - litotes

Derived forms: meioses

Type of: cell division, cellular division, rhetorical device, understatement

Encyclopedia: Meiosis