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.
Also called
programmed cell death.
Origin of apoptosis
OTHER WORDS FROM apoptosis
ap·op·tot·ic [ap-uh-tot-ik, ap-uh p‐] /ˌæp əˈtɒt ɪk, ˌæp əp‐/, adjectiveWords nearby apoptosis
apoplast,
apoplectic,
apoplectiform,
apoplexy,
apoprotein,
apoptosis,
apopyle,
aporepressor,
aporia,
aport,
aposematic
British Dictionary definitions for programmed cell death (1 of 2)
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 development
Also called: programmed cell death
Word Origin for apoptosis
C20: from Greek: a falling away, from
apo- +
ptōsis a falling
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
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.