Biol. the stage in mitosis and meiosis, after the prophase and before the anaphase, during which the chromosomes are arranged along the equatorial plane of the spindle
See metaphase in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(mĕtˈə-fāzˌ)
noun
The stage of mitosis and meiosis, following prophase and preceding anaphase, during which the chromosomes are aligned along the metaphase plate.