Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

hyperplasia

American  
[hahy-per-pley-zhuh, -zhee-uh, -zee-uh] / ˌhaɪ pərˈpleɪ ʒə, -ʒi ə, -zi ə /

noun

Pathology, Biology.
  1. abnormal multiplication of cells.

  2. enlargement of a part due to an abnormal numerical increase of its cells.


hyperplasia British  
/ ˌhaɪpəˈplæzɪə, ˌhaɪpəˈplæstɪk /

noun

  1. enlargement of a bodily organ or part resulting from an increase in the total number of cells Compare hypertrophy

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • hyperplastic adjective

Etymology

Origin of hyperplasia

First recorded in 1860–65; hyper- + -plasia

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.

Neurocrine already markets Crenessity, an oral CRF1 receptor antagonist used to treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which is a collection of genetic disorders affecting the adrenal glands.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

These vessels were encased by CGRP+ sensory nerve fibers and were growing towards the lining fibroblasts in areas of excessive tissue growth, or hyperplasia.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2024

The word “benign” in benign prostatic hyperplasia means the prostate isn’t cancerous.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2024

The procedure, however, left her with a rare complication called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, or overgrowth of fatty tissue.

From Salon • Sep. 21, 2023

Galvano-cauterization is the best method of treatment for chronic subglottic edema or hyperplasia such as is seen in children following diphtheria, when the stenosis produced prevents extubation or decannulation.

From Bronchoscopy and Esophagoscopy A Manual of Peroral Endoscopy and Laryngeal Surgery by Jackson, Chevalier