(n)the appearance of the chromosomal makeup of a somatic cell in an individual or species (including the number and arrangement and size and structure of the chromosomes)
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
‖n. [ NL., fr. Gr. ka`ryon a nut, kernel + kinei^n to move. ] 1. (Biol.) The indirect division of cells in which, prior to division of the cell protoplasm, complicated changes take place in the nucleus, attended with movement of the nuclear fibrils; -- opposed to karyostenosis. The nucleus becomes enlarged and convoluted, and finally the threads are separated into two groups which ultimately become disconnected and constitute the daughter nuclei. Called also mitosis. See Cell development, under Cell. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The changes that occur in the nucleus of a cell, especially movements of the chromosomes, in the process of cell division. [ PJC ]
‖n. [ NL., Gr. ka`ryon a nut + mi`tos a thread. ] (Biol.) The reticular network of fine fibers, of which the nucleus of a cell is in part composed; -- in opposition to kytomiton, or the network in the body of the cell. W. Flemming. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ NL., fr. Gr. ka`ryon a nut + pla`sma a thing molded. ] (Biol.) The protoplasmic substance of the nucleus of a cell; nucleoplasm; -- in opposition to cytoplasm, the protoplasm of the cell. [ 1913 Webster ]
‖n. [ NL., fr. Gr. ka`ryon a nut, kernel + &unr_; a being straitened. ] (Biol.) Direct cell division (in which there is first a simple division of the nucleus, without any changes in its structure, followed by division of the protoplasm of the cell); -- in opposition to karyokinesis. [ 1913 Webster ]