meiosis

(noun) (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: miosis, reduction division.

(noun) understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary). Synonyms: litotes. Example: "Saying `i was not a little upset' when you mean `i was very upset' is an example of litotes."