autologous

adjective

au·​tol·​o·​gous ȯ-ˈtä-lə-gəs 

1

: derived from the same individual

incubated lymphoid cells with autologous tumor cells

2

: involving one individual as both donor and recipient

an autologous blood transfusion

an autologous bone marrow transplant

Examples of autologous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The center specializes in the other option, what’s known as autologous tissue reconstruction, where a woman’s own fat is taken from one part of the body, like the bottom or the stomach, and used to rebuild the breast. —T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 Apr. 2025

Most people receive an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). —Sarah Hudgens, Health, 23 Sep. 2024

There are two options for rebuilding: implants (either saline or silicone) or the use of autologous tissue (meaning your own living tissue). —Paige Stables, Allure, 22 Nov. 2023

The government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was going to change what's called the S code and lump in DIEP flap surgeries with other autologous breast cancer procedures. —Paige Stables, Allure, 22 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

auto- + -logous (in heterologous, homologous)

First Known Use

circa 1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for autologous

• homologous
• heterologous

Medical Definition

autologous

adjective

au·​tol·​o·​gous ȯ-ˈtäl-ə-gəs 

1

: derived from the same individual

autologous grafts

incubated lymphoid cells with autologous tumor cells

compare heterologous sense 1, homologous sense 2a

2

: involving one individual as both donor and recipient (as of blood)

autologous transfusion

autologous bone marrow transplants