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

Derived 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

Tumor cells lost viability and activated apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death.

From Science Daily • Jan. 10, 2026

SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists have been associated with changes in cancer cell growth, reduced inflammation, and increased apoptosis.

From Science Daily • Jan. 2, 2026

"When we knocked out just necroptosis, the animals did better because they still had apoptosis and could still get rid of infected cells, but it wasn't as inflammatory."

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 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