telophase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Scientific (Biology, Genetics, Medicine)
Quick answer
What does “telophase” mean?
The final stage of cell division in mitosis and meiosis, where the separated chromosomes reach opposite poles, new nuclear membranes form around them, and the cell begins to divide into two daughter cells.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The final stage of cell division in mitosis and meiosis, where the separated chromosomes reach opposite poles, new nuclear membranes form around them, and the cell begins to divide into two daughter cells.
By extension, can be used metaphorically to describe the concluding or final phase of any process of division, separation, or transformation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or spelling differences. It is a standardised international scientific term.
Connotations
None beyond the precise scientific meaning. No cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Identically rare and confined to scientific/educational contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “telophase” in a Sentence
[Subject: cell/nucleus] + enters/undergoes/reaches + telophaseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “telophase” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cell is now telophasing, with nuclear envelopes reassembling.
American English
- The nucleus has telophased, and cytokinesis is imminent.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. A possible metaphorical use might be 'The telophase of the corporate restructuring is underway, with the final divisions being formalised.'
Academic
Exclusively used in biology, genetics, medicine, and related life science disciplines. Found in textbooks, research papers, and lectures.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by someone explaining a biological concept.
Technical
The primary context. Used with precision to describe a specific, observable stage under a microscope.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “telophase”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “telophase”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “telophase”
- Confusing telophase with cytokinesis (the physical splitting of the cytoplasm, which overlaps with but is distinct from telophase).
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the second syllable (e.g., /təˈlɒfeɪz/).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'end' outside of a clear biological/metaphorical framework.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The main events are the decondensation of chromosomes, reassembly of nuclear envelopes around the two separated chromosome sets, and the beginning of the division of the cytoplasm (cytokinesis).
No. Telophase is the nuclear division stage. Cytokinesis is the division of the cell cytoplasm. They overlap in time but are distinct processes.
Yes, in some organisms or cell types (e.g., certain fungi, mammalian hepatocytes), mitosis with telophase can occur without immediate cytokinesis, resulting in multinucleated cells.
It ensures the genetic material separated in anaphase is packaged into two distinct, functional nuclei in the daughter cells, restoring the interphase state and completing nuclear division.
The final stage of cell division in mitosis and meiosis, where the separated chromosomes reach opposite poles, new nuclear membranes form around them, and the cell begins to divide into two daughter cells.
Telophase is usually technical/scientific (biology, genetics, medicine) in register.
Telophase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtiːlə(ʊ)feɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛləˌfeɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'TELOphone the end' - telophase is the 'tele'-graph (far) end or final phase where the separated chromosome sets are far apart and the process finishes.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROCESS IS A JOURNEY (the cell reaches the final destination/phase); DIVISION IS SEPARATION INTO DISTINCT ENTITIES (the formation of two new nuclei).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following directly follows anaphase in mitosis?