genetics Cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms; the nucleus divides into four nuclei each containing half the chromosome number (leading to gametes in animals and spores in plants).

synonyms: miosis, reduction division.

Dutch: meiose
Polish: kariokineza redukcyjna, mejoza

Understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary).

synonym: litotes.

Polish: pomniejszenie, litota, antyfraza, litotes