apoptosis

noun

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ap·o·pto·sis | \ ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs

, -pə-ˈtō-

plural apoptoses\ ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-ˌsēz

, -pə-ˈtō- \

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, 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

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Examples of apoptosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This futuristic device utilizes a 1064 nm laser that is proven to induce apoptosis (which is essentially the death of unwanted cells) in adipose tissue, also known as body fat. — Meggen Harris, Forbes, 16 June 2022 In many of the patients, the apoptotic cells also contained viral antigens, further indicating that apoptosis was a direct consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 14 Apr. 2022 The second study provides an entirely different mechanism for the potential action of CBD against SARS-CoV-2 through a response called apoptosis. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2022 When a cell dies via apoptosis, a natural process the body uses to remove damaged cells, PS becomes exposed to the outside of that cell. — Sathy Balu-iyer, The Conversation, 29 Nov. 2021 The second notable change occurs in another process, apoptosis. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2021 In the average adult, apoptosis triggers the death of 50 to 70 billion cells within a single day. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2021 In Orf3a, the protein that oversees apoptosis, or cell death, the researchers note the S261L mutation. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2021 This protein regulates apoptosis, which is a major factor in viral pathogenicity. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apoptosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

28 Jul 2022

Cite this Entry

“Apoptosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apoptosis. Accessed 16 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for apoptosis

apoptosis

noun

ap·o·pto·sis | \ ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs, -pə-ˈtō- \

plural apoptoses\ -ˌsēz

Medical Definition of apoptosis

: 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