apoptosis

American  

[ap-uh-toh-sis, ap-uhp‑] / ˌæp əˈtoʊ sɪs, ˌæp əp‑ /

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.

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apoptosis British  

/ 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

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apoptosis Scientific  

/ ăp′əp-tō′sĭs,ăp′ə-tō′- /

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

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apoptosis Cultural  

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

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Discover More

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

Etymology

Origin of apoptosis

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

Example Sentences

Unlike apoptosis, which quietly removes cells, necroptosis produces signals that draw immune cells to the area.

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2025

These by-products initiate a "suicide" programme in the pathogen cell, named apoptosis.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2024

The regulatory mechanism of how cells maintain a balance between apoptosis and interferon response to efficiently suppress viral replication during infection, however, remained unclear.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2024

After metamorphosis, these organs become redundant and will be resorbed by controlled cell death, called apoptosis.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

As the infection is cleared and pathogenic stimuli subside, the effectors are no longer needed and they undergo apoptosis.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013