| metapeptone | <physiology> An intermediate product formed in the gastric digestion of albuminous matter. Origin: Pref. Meta- + peptone. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| metaphase | <cell biology> Classically the second phase of mitosis or one of the divisions of meiosis. In this phase the chromosomes are well condensed and aligned along the metaphase plate. (18 Nov 1997) |
| metaphase i | <cell biology> The stage in the first meiotic division of meiosis that follows prophase I. Homologous chromosomes pair with each other to form tetrads of four chromatids and they align themselves along a single plane in the centre of the cell. Homologous recombination generally occurs during this stage. This stage ends as soon as the homologous chromosomes start being pulled away from each other, to opposite ends of the cell. (09 Oct 1997) |
| metaphase II | <cell biology> The stage in the second meiotic division of meiosis that follows prophase II, during which the chromosomes are aligned along a single plane in the centre of each cell produced during the first meiotic division (two total cells). Each chromosome can clearly be observed as a pair of joined, identical chromatids. The stage ends as soon as the centromeres connecting the pairs to each other break. (09 Oct 1997) |
| metaphase plate | <cell biology> The plane of the spindle approximately equidistant from the two poles along which the chromosomes are lined up during mitosis or meiosis. Also termed the equator. (18 Nov 1997) |
| metaphor | The application of a concept to which it is not literally applicable but which suggests a resemblance and invites comparison. Metaphors as figures of speech are a common literary device but in the history of medicine, metaphors lend a philosophical aura. Medical metaphors were widespread in ancient literature; the description of a sick body was often used by ancient writers to define a critical condition of the state, in which one corrupt part can ruin the entire system. (12 Dec 1998) |
| metaphosphate | <chemistry> A salt of metaphosphoric acid. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| metaphosphoric | <chemistry> Pertaining to, or designating, a monobasic acid, HPO3, analogous to nitric acid, and, by heating phosphoric acid, obtained as a crystalline substance, commonly called glacial phosphoric acid. Origin: Pref. Meta- + phosphoric Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| metaphosphoric acid | An anhydride of phosphoric acid used as a reagent, and in the manufacture of zinc oxyphosphate cement for dentistry. Synonym: metaphosphoric acid. (05 Mar 2000) |
| metaphyseal dysplasia | <radiology> (Pyle disease) also known as: craniometaphyseal dysplasia, autosomal recessive, failure of modeling of cylindrical bones, Erlenmeyer flask appearance of metaepiphyses (12 Dec 1998) |
| metaphysial | Relating to a metaphysis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| metaphysial dysostosis | A rare developmental abnormality of the skeleton in which metaphyses of tubular bones are expanded by deposits of cartilage. (05 Mar 2000) |
| metaphysial dysplasia | An abnormality that occurs when new bone at the metaphyses of long bones fails to undergo remodeling to the normal tubular structure; the ends of long bones appear to be expanded and porotic, with thin cortex; there may be an associated overgrowth of cranial bones (craniometaphysial dysplasia). (05 Mar 2000) |
| metaphysial fibrous cortical defect | A small (less than 2 to 3 cm in diameter) fibrous cortical d. (05 Mar 2000) |
| metaphysic | See Metaphysics. Origin: Cf. F. Metaphysique. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |