apoptosis

[ap-uh-toh-sis, ap-uhp‑]

noun

1. a normal, genetically regulated process leading to the death of cells and triggered by the presence or absence of certain stimuli, as DNA damage.

apoptosis

/ ˌæpəpˈtəʊsɪs /

noun

1. Also called: programmed cell death. biology the programmed death of some of an organism's cells as part of its natural growth and development

apoptosis

1. 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.

2. Also called programmed cell death

apoptosis

1. The programmed death of a cell. Scientists believe that this process is governed by chemical signals a given cell receives from its neighbors.

It is thought some forms of cancer may result when this process of cell death is somehow interrupted, allowing cells to grow unchecked, with the result being a cancerous tumor.

Other Word Forms

• apoptotic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of apoptosis¹

1970–75; New Latin < Greek apόptōsis a falling off, equivalent to apo- apo- ( def. ) + ptōsis ptosis ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of apoptosis¹

C20: from Greek: a falling away, from _apo- + ptōsis a falling