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

These molecules push cancer cells into apoptosis -- the body's natural process for safely removing damaged or malfunctioning cells.

From Science Daily • Dec. 24, 2025

Possemato says his team has plans to investigate how blocking other cancer cell pathways might trigger apoptosis in response to these chemotherapies.

From Science Daily • Nov. 26, 2024

RIPK3 controls two cell death pathways in response to infection: apoptosis and necroptosis.

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