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

This causes fat cells to freeze, breaking cell walls and causing cell death (apoptosis). —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 18 Sep. 2023

There is a mechanism called apoptosis through which dangerously deranged cells are induced to commit suicide. —George Johnson, Discover Magazine, 21 Oct. 2013

Other conditions can benefit from apoptosis research as well. —Zoie Magri, The Conversation, 4 Oct. 2023

There is evidence that nicotine inhibits apoptosis — the process by which cells self-destruct, which is an important guard against tumour formation — in cancer cells by binding to cholinergic receptors. —Anthony King, Scientific American, 13 June 2023

If enough damage builds up, the cell surrenders and undergoes programmed cell death, or apoptosis. —Celia Ford, WIRED, 17 July 2023

As a result, those cells die in a process known as apoptosis. —Claire Maldarelli, Popular Science, 7 May 2021

Recurrent damage within cells results in apoptosis, a rescue mechanism preventing oncogenic transformation but also triggering a cascade of events that promote aging and aging-related disorders. —Salvatore Viscomi, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023

The cells rapidly die by a process called apoptosis. —Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 12 June 2023

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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

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