apoptosis

noun

ap·​o·​pto·​sis ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs  -pə-ˈtō- 

plural apoptoses ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-ˌsēz 

-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 

-pə-ˈtä-

adjective

Examples of apoptosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the most promising findings is that cannabis might help inhibit tumor growth, encourage apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, and reduce inflammation. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

And while programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a critical mechanism for deleting faulty and old cells in order for the body to regenerate new, more productive cells, HFSCs even at their most active will ultimately work themselves to death without adequate MCL-1 protection. —New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025

For example, drugs can activate apoptosis or halt cell division in ways that mimic p53’s normal function. —Prosper Obed Chukwuemeka, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2025

The wound fully closes, and the cells used for repair are no longer necessary; the body removes these cells through apoptosis (cellular death). —Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for apoptosis

• celluloses
• dermatoses
• overdoses
• doses
• grosses
• mycoses
• psychoses

Medical Definition

apoptosis

noun

ap·​o·​pto·​sis

ˌa-pəp-ˈtō-səs, -pə-ˈtō-

plural apoptoses -ˌsēz 

: 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

-ˈtät-ik 

adjective