apoptosis
ap·o·pto·sis
noun \ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs, -pə-ˈtō-\ plural ap·o·pto·ses\-ˌsēz\
Definition of APOPTOSIS
: a genetically directed process of cell self-destruction that is marked by the fragmentation of nuclear DNA, is activated either by the presence of a stimulus or removal of a suppressing agent or stimulus, and is a normal physiological process eliminating DNA-damaged, superfluous, or unwanted cells —called also programmed cell death
— ap·o·pto·tic \-ˈtä-tik\ adjective
Origin of APOPTOSIS
New Latin, from Greek apoptōsis a falling off, from apopiptein to fall off, from apo- + piptein to fall — more at feather
First Known Use: 1972
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