apoptosis
[ ap-uh-toh-sis, ap-uhp‐ ]
/ ˌæp əˈtoʊ sɪs, ˌæp əp‐ /
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noun
a normal, genetically regulated process leading to the death of cells and triggered by the presence or absence of certain stimuli, as DNA damage.
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Also called programmed cell death .
Origin of apoptosis
OTHER WORDS FROM apoptosis
ap·op·tot·ic [ap-uh-tot-ik, ap-uhp‐], /ˌæp əˈtɒt ɪk, ˌæp əp‐/, adjectiveWords nearby apoptosis
apoplast, apoplectic, apoplectiform, apoplexy, apoprotein, apoptosis, apopyle, aporepressor, aporia, aport, aposematic
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for apoptosis
Those cells undergo apoptosis and die back, leaving fully formed fingers behind.
THC and cannabidiol both induce apoptosis in leukemic cell lines.
Marijuana Fights Cancer and Helps Manage Side Effects, Researchers Find|Martin A. Lee|September 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
British Dictionary definitions for apoptosis
apoptosis
/ (ˌæpəpˈtəʊsɪs) /
noun
biology the programmed death of some of an organism's cells as part of its natural growth and developmentAlso called: programmed cell death
Word Origin for apoptosis
C20: from Greek: a falling away, from apo- + ptōsis a falling
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for apoptosis
apoptosis
[ ăp′əp-tō′sĭs, ăp′ə-tō′- ]
n.
A natural process of self-destruction in certain cells that is determined by the genes and can be initiated by a stimulus or by removal of a repressor agent. programmed cell death
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for apoptosis
apoptosis
[ ăp′əp-tō′sĭs, ăp′ə-tō′- ]
A natural process of self-destruction in certain cells, such as epithelial cells and erythrocytes, that are genetically programmed to have a limited life span or are damaged. Apoptosis can be induced either by a stimulus, such as irradiation or toxic drugs, or by removal of a repressor agent. The cells disintegrate into membrane-bound particles that are then eliminated by phagocytosis. Also called programmed cell death
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for apoptosis
apoptosis
[ (ap-uhp-toh-sis) ]
The programmed death of a cell. Scientists believe that this process is governed by chemical signals a given cell receives from its neighbors.
notes for apoptosis
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.