What does meiotic mean?
Meiotic is an adjective meaning “relating to meiosis,” the specialized cell division that produces cells with half the usual chromosome number. During meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair, exchange corresponding DNA segments, and separate, creating new combinations of genetic material. This process is central to the formation of sperm cells, egg cells, and spores in sexually reproducing organisms. The word is used in genetics, cytology, reproductive biology, and plant biology, especially in discussions of meiotic division, recombination, chromosome pairing, and meiotic arrest. In everyday conversation, it is uncommon and strongly technical. Its importance lies in explaining how chromosome number is reduced and how genetic variation is generated across generations.
adjectiveRelating to or involving meiosis, the specialized form of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms that reduces chromosome number and creates genetic variation.
- Relating to or involving meiosis.
"The meiotic process produces gametes with half the chromosome number found in ordinary body cells."
"Defects in meiotic recombination can lead to the abnormal chromosome arrangements associated with certain inherited disorders."
"The researchers studied meiotic chromosome pairing in several populations of the plant."
Meiosis is the great genetic shuffle: it halves the chromosome count while mixing parental DNA in ways that help make each offspring unique.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of meiotic
The adjective comes through English scientific vocabulary from Greek meiosis, a term meaning “diminution” or “a making smaller.” Its biological sense reflects the halving of chromosome number that distinguishes meiotic division from ordinary mitotic division. The related terms meiosis and meiocyte preserve the same Greek root.
Related word forms
How meiotic is actually used
This is specialized biological terminology, used chiefly in genetics, cytology, reproductive biology, and related research. It is distinct from “mitotic,” which describes a different type of cell division.
Easily confused with meiotic
Meiotic division reduces the chromosome number and generates variation, whereas mitotic division generally preserves the chromosome number and produces genetically identical daughter cells.