metaphase noun. ['mɛtǝfeɪz] L19.
[German, formed as META- + Greek PHASIS.]
Biology. The stage of mitotic or meiotic nuclear division when the chromosomes become attached to the spindle fibres; a dividing nucleus at this stage.

Comb.:
metaphase plate the equatorial plane of a spindle during metaphase, with the centromeres of the chromosomes on or near the plane.

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