1) The second phase of mitosis, in which the chromosomes line up across the equatorial plane of the spindle prior to separation.

2) A stage in mitosis or meiosis during which the chromosomes are aligned along the equatorial plane of the cell.

3) Metaphase is a stage during the process of cell division (mitosis or meiosis). Usually, individual chromosomes cannot be observed in the cell nucleus. However, during metaphase of mitosis or meiosis the chromosomes condense and become distinguishable as they align in the center of the dividing cell. Metaphase chromosomes are used during the karyotyping procedure that is used to look for chromosomal abnormalities.