The two-stage process in sexual reproduction by which the chromosome number is reduced from the somatic to the haploid number. The first division, in which homologous chromosomes pair and exchange genetic material, is followed by amitotic division. The nucleus divides twice, but the chromosomes only once, generating haploid nuclei, which develop into the gametes (egg and sperm in animals; egg and s in plants).
understatement, esp. expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary
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)
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 litotes"
(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)
understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary)
