metaphase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metaphase” mean?
A stage of cell division (mitosis or meiosis) where chromosomes align in the middle of the cell.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A stage of cell division (mitosis or meiosis) where chromosomes align in the middle of the cell.
In a broader, often metaphorical sense, a critical point of transition or alignment before a major change or separation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. The term is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
None beyond the strict biological definition.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency in scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “metaphase” in a Sentence
The chromosomes condense and align in metaphase.The cell was arrested in metaphase.Researchers observed the metaphase carefully.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in biological sciences, particularly genetics, cytology, and cell biology.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context of use. Describes a precise stage in cellular mitosis and meiosis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metaphase”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metaphase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metaphase”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈmiː.tə.feɪz/ (like 'meat').
- Confusing it with 'prophase' or 'anaphase'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The cell will metaphase').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a stage in both mitosis and meiosis, though there are specific differences between metaphase I and metaphase II in meiosis.
The alignment of condensed chromosomes along the metaphase plate (the equatorial plane of the cell).
It is extremely rare. Any non-biological use is a deliberate, technical metaphor, such as describing a project at a critical planning stage before execution.
Interphase is the long period of cell growth and DNA replication when the cell is not dividing. Metaphase is a much shorter, active stage of actual cell division (mitosis/meiosis).
A stage of cell division (mitosis or meiosis) where chromosomes align in the middle of the cell.
Metaphase is usually technical / scientific in register.
Metaphase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛt.ə.feɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛt̬.ə.feɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'META' as 'middle' and 'PHASE' as stage. Metaphase is the MIDDLE STAGE where chromosomes meet in the middle.
Conceptual Metaphor
A POINT OF ALIGNMENT BEFORE SEPARATION, similar to competitors lining up at the start of a race.
Practice
Quiz
Metaphase is a stage primarily associated with which process?