metaplasia
noun
meta·pla·sia
ˌme-tə-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə 
1
: transformation of one tissue into another
2
: abnormal replacement of cells of one type by cells of another
Examples of metaplasia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This inflammatory response turns them into columnar cells, resulting in columnar metaplasia.
—
Mark Gurarie, Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Intestinal metaplasia can develop when the cells that line your digestive tract are damaged.
—Sayaka Blickenderfer, Phd, Health, 16 Jan. 2025
Other theories have included immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and metaplasia (an abnormal change in the tissue).
—Abby Haglage, SELF, 25 Oct. 2017
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Mark Gurarie, Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Intestinal metaplasia can develop when the cells that line your digestive tract are damaged.
—Sayaka Blickenderfer, Phd, Health, 16 Jan. 2025
Other theories have included immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and metaplasia (an abnormal change in the tissue).
—Abby Haglage, SELF, 25 Oct. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Metaplasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaplasia. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
metaplasia
noun
meta·pla·sia
ˌmet-ə-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə
1
: transformation of one tissue into another
metaplasia of cartilage into bone
2
: abnormal replacement of cells of one type by cells of another
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