meiosis

• Nom ayant deux sens distincts : en génétique, type de division cellulaire qui produit des cellules reproductrices avec la moitié des chromosomes ; en rhétorique, figure d'atténuation consistant à dire moins pour faire entendre plus, souvent par litote.

A noun with two distinct meanings: in genetics, it refers to a type of cell division that produces reproductive cells with half the chromosome number; in rhetoric, it refers to understatement for effect, often expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary.

1. Cell division for reproductionC1formalscientific

   A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells, essential for sexual reproduction in eukaryotes.

   méiose

   • Meiosis occurs in the reproductive organs to produce gametes.
   • Errors during meiosis can lead to genetic disorders.
   • The process of meiosis ensures genetic diversity in offspring.

   Synonymesreduction division

2. Rhetorical understatementC2formal

   A figure of speech that uses understatement to emphasize a point, often by negating its opposite.

   méiose rhétorique

   • Saying 'not bad' to mean 'very good' is an example of meiosis.
   • The author used meiosis to create a subtle ironic effect.
   • In rhetoric, meiosis can be a powerful tool for emphasis.

   Synonymeslitotesunderstatement

   Antonymesexaggerationhyperboleoverstatement