metaphase (ËmÉtÉËfeÉªz) n 1. (Biology) the second stage of mitosis during which the condensed chromosomes attach to the centre of the spindle. metâ¢aâ¢phase (ËmÉt ÉËfeÉªz) n. the stage in mitosis or meiosis in which the duplicated chromosomes line up along the equatorial plate of the spindle.