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apoptosis

[ap-uh-toh-sis, ap-uh p‐]
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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Origin of apoptosis

1970–75; New Latin < Greek apόptōsis a falling off, equivalent to apo- apo- + ptōsis ptosis
Also called programmed cell death.
Related formsap·op·tot·ic [ap-uh-tot-ik, ap-uh p‐] /ˌæp əˈtɒt ɪk, ˌæp əp‐/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for programmed cell death

programmed cell death

noun
  1. another name for apoptosis
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apoptosis

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

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
programmed cell death in Science

programmed cell death

[prō′grămd′]
  1. See apoptosis.
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apoptosis

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

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.

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Note

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.