karyokinesis

karyokinesis
    n 1: organic process consisting of the division of the nucleus
         of a cell during mitosis or meiosis
    

Karyokinesis \Kar"y*o*ki*ne`sis\
   (k[a^]r`[i^]*[-o]*k[-i]*n[=e]"s[i^]s), 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]