hemixis

noun

he·​mix·​is

hēˈmiksə̇s

variants or less commonly hemimixis

ˌ⸗⸗ at hemi- +ˈmiksə̇s

plural -es

: a reorganization process in various ciliated protozoans in which the macronucleus breaks up and a new macronucleus is reconstituted from the fragments without accompanying micronuclear changes compare endomixis

Word History

Etymology

hemixis, New Latin, contraction of hemimixis; hemimixis, New Latin, from hemi- entry 1 + -mixis

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!