cell division

noun

: the process by which cells multiply involving both nuclear and cytoplasmic division compare meiosis, mitosis

Examples of cell division in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Further research showed that DNA damage was taking place during cell division. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026 Normally, cell growth eventually results in cell division, splitting the membranes and their context between two new cells. — ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026 It was known, however, that substances and processes that arrest cell division in animals lead to a doubling of chromosome number in plants. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 7 May 2026 In this way, all eukaryotic life, including human life, rides on the spindle’s success with each cell division across an organism’s lifetime. — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cell division

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cell division was in 1846

Rhymes for cell division

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Browse Nearby Words

cell cycle
cell division
Celle
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Cite this Entry

“Cell division.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cell%20division. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cell division

noun
: a process by which cells increase in number that usually involves division into similar parts of more or less equal size compare meiosis, mitosis

Medical Definition

cell division

noun
: the process by which cells multiply involving both nuclear and cytoplasmic division compare meiosis, mitosis
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