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.
Often described as the cell's internal cleanup and recycling system, autophagy removes damaged proteins and cellular debris before they can accumulate and cause harm.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 28, 2026
However, when scientists restored autophagy or removed synuclein protein, the nerve cells were protected from damage.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 28, 2026
As autophagy slows in older adults, a-beta may accumulate inside neurons and increasingly compete with tau for access to microtubules.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 2026
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
"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 Compton MacKenzie
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.
