autophagy
Americannoun
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Cell Biology. the process by which a cell breaks down and reabsorbs parts of itself using enzymes it generates.
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the act or process of consuming or digesting oneself.
Other Word Forms
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Through my research into ocular disease and autophagy, a theme emerged, of normally robust immune systems quietly breaking down.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
CaAKG also increased autophagy, the brain's internal "clean-up" system that removes damaged proteins and helps neurons stay healthy.
From Science Daily • Jan. 25, 2026
"It activates hemoglobin synthesis, slows down the cell cycle, and slows down autophagy, which together have a synergistic effect."
From Science Daily • Dec. 16, 2025
This facilitates a process called autophagy, which occurs routinely in our cells: Damaged or unnecessary proteins are wrapped up in small membrane vesicles and safely degraded with enzymes - a natural recycling process, in effect.
From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2025
"That's a good girl," John applauded; he did not believe in Frida's sudden conquest of autophagy, but he was anxious to encourage her in every way at the moment.
From Poor Relations by MacKenzie, Compton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
