apoptosis

noun

ap·​o·​pto·​sis ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs How to pronounce apoptosis (audio) -pə-ˈtō- How to pronounce apoptosis (audio)
plural apoptoses ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-ˌsēz How to pronounce apoptosis (audio)
-pə-ˈtō-
: 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, is a normal physiological process eliminating DNA-damaged, superfluous, or unwanted cells, and when halted (as by gene mutation) may result in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation

called also cell suicide, programmed cell death

apoptotic
ˌa-pəp-ˈtä-tik How to pronounce apoptosis (audio)
-pə-ˈtä-
adjective

Examples of apoptosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Notch signaling has several important functions, including cell growth, cell differentiation, and apoptosis (cell destruction). Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 7 July 2024 Activating these receptors is known to modulate the function of cells in the epidermis, including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Joy Organics, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 Genes involved in apoptosis may have come from former symbiotic partners that have since departed. Quanta Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024 The tools for apoptosis, molecular biologists have found, are curiously widespread. Quanta Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apoptosis 

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of apoptosis was in 1972

Dictionary Entries Near apoptosis

Cite this Entry

“Apoptosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apoptosis. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

apoptosis

noun
ap·​o·​pto·​sis
ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs, -pə-ˈtō-
plural apoptoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce apoptosis (audio)
: a genetically determined process of cell self-destruction that is marked by the fragmentation of nuclear DNA, is activated either by the presence of a stimulus or by the removal of a stimulus or suppressing agent, is a normal physiological process eliminating DNA-damaged, superfluous, or unwanted cells (as immune cells targeted against the self in the development of self-tolerance or larval cells in amphibians undergoing metamorphosis), and when halted (as by gene mutation) may result in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation

called also cell suicide, programmed cell death

apoptotic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on apoptosis

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!