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contact inhibition
noun
: cessation of cellular movement, growth, and division upon contact with other cells
Examples of contact inhibition in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Researchers observed in a 2009 study that their cells cease dividing when a certain density threshold is crossed — a mechanism called early contact inhibition that prevents tumors from ever forming.
—Jennifer Walter, Discover Magazine, 11 Feb. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contact inhibition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1965, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of contact inhibition was
in 1965
Dictionary Entries Near contact inhibition
Cite this Entry
“Contact inhibition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contact%20inhibition. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
Medical Definition
contact inhibition
noun
: cessation of cellular undulating movements upon contact with other cells with accompanying cessation of cell growth and division
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