apoptosis

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

noun

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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Also called programmed cell death.

Origin of apoptosis

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

OTHER WORDS FROM apoptosis

ap·op·tot·ic [ap-uh-tot-ik, ap-uh p‐] /ˌæp əˈtɒt ɪk, ˌæp əp‐/, adjective

Words nearby apoptosis

apoplast, apoplectic, apoplectiform, apoplexy, apoprotein, apoptosis, apopyle, aporepressor, aporia, aport, aposematic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for programmed cell death (1 of 2)

programmed cell death

noun

another name for apoptosis

British Dictionary definitions for programmed cell death (2 of 2)

apoptosis
/ (ˌæpəpˈtəʊsɪs) /

noun

biology the programmed death of some of an organism's cells as part of its natural growth and developmentAlso called: programmed cell death

Word Origin for apoptosis

C20: from Greek: a falling away, from apo- + ptōsis a falling
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

Scientific definitions for programmed cell death (1 of 2)

programmed cell death
[ prō′grămd′ ]

See apoptosis.

Scientific definitions for programmed cell death (2 of 2)

apoptosis
[ ăp′əp-tō′sĭs, ăp′ə-tō′- ]

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. Also called programmed cell death
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for programmed cell death

apoptosis
[ (ap-uhp-toh-sis) ]

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

notes for apoptosis

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.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.