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