division, i

The proce by which anything is separated into a number of parts. 2. Any one of the parts so separated. 3. That which separates one part from another, direct nuclear d. The form of nuclear d. in which the nucleus simply divides into two or more parts without any special structural change in the nucleus being apparent, indirect nuclear d. See karyokinesis and cell d., under cell, nuclear d., nucleus d. The d. of the nucleus of a cell. This is either direct, by a constriction appearing and deepening till the nucleus is divided into two or more parts, no apparent change in the intimate structure taking place; or indirect, when a complicated series of changes in the structure of the nucleus precedes and follows its division. In both forms of nuclear d. the d. of the entire cell usually follows that of the nucleus. If, however, cell d. does not follow, the cell becomes multinucleated. [Lat., divider e, to divide.]