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: meiosis, reduction division.

Dutch: meiose
Polish: kariokineza redukcyjna, mejoza

Reflex contraction of the sphincter muscle of the iris in response to a bright light (or certain drugs) causing the pupil to become smaller.

synonyms: light reflex, myosis, pupillary reflex.

Polish: mioza