(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)

[ Syn: miosis , reduction division ]

understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary); saying `I was not a little upset when you mean `I was very upset is an example of litotes

[ Syn: litotes , litotes ]