Definition of apoptosis
plural apoptoses
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\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 genetic mutation) may result in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation — called also
cell suicide, programmed cell death
