anaphase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “anaphase” mean?
The stage of cell division (mitosis or meiosis) in which chromosomes separate and move toward opposite poles of the dividing cell.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The stage of cell division (mitosis or meiosis) in which chromosomes separate and move toward opposite poles of the dividing cell.
In biology, a technical term for the third phase of mitosis, following metaphase and preceding telophase, characterized by the splitting of centromeres and migration of chromatids. More broadly, it can be used metaphorically to describe a process of separation or division into distinct parts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical in both varieties.
Connotations
No differential connotations. Strictly technical in all English varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both UK and US English, confined to biological/medical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “anaphase” in a Sentence
The cell undergoes anaphase.Chromosomes separate in anaphase.Researchers observed anaphase progression.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anaphase” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. Used as a noun only]
American English
- [No standard verb form. Used as a noun only]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The anaphase checkpoint is crucial for genomic stability.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Not used]
Academic
Used extensively in biology textbooks, research papers, and lectures on cell division.
Everyday
[Virtually never used]
Technical
Core term in cell biology, genetics, oncology (studying cell division errors), and microscopy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anaphase”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anaphase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anaphase”
- Pronouncing it as /ænəˈfɑːz/ (an-a-fahz) instead of /ˈænəˌfeɪz/.
- Using it as a general term for any cell division, rather than the specific stage.
- Misspelling as 'anaphaze' or 'annaphase'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a stage in both mitosis and meiosis, though the specifics of chromosome separation differ slightly between the two processes.
It is extremely rare. It might be used in highly metaphorical or poetic writing to describe a process of division or separation, but this is not standard usage.
In mitosis, anaphase is preceded by metaphase (alignment of chromosomes) and followed by telophase (formation of two new nuclei).
It ensures that each new daughter cell receives an identical and complete set of chromosomes. Errors in anaphase can lead to conditions like cancer or genetic disorders.
The stage of cell division (mitosis or meiosis) in which chromosomes separate and move toward opposite poles of the dividing cell.
Anaphase is usually technical / academic in register.
Anaphase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈænəˌfeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænəˌfeɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this highly technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'ANA' means 'apart' or 'back' (as in 'anagram' - rearranged apart) and 'PHASE' is a stage. So, ANAPHASE is the stage where chromosomes move APART.
Conceptual Metaphor
CELL DIVISION IS A JOURNEY: Anaphase is the critical 'separation' or 'parting of ways' leg of the chromosome's journey to new cells.
Practice
Quiz
What happens during anaphase of mitosis?