1. a form of cell division in which the nucleus divides directly without the formation of chromosomes or a spindle apparatus, without going through the stages of mitosis.
Usage: biology; rare in modern usage; largely replaced by the term 'direct nuclear division'

Examples

• Amitosis was once thought to be a common form of cell division but is now known to be rare.
• Early biologists observed what they believed to be amitosis under the microscope.
• Unlike mitosis, amitosis does not involve the formation of visible chromosomes.
• The distinction between amitosis and mitosis became clearer with improved microscopy techniques.