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

metaplastic

ˌme-tə-ˈpla-stik 

adjective

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

Other theories have included immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and metaplasia (an abnormal change in the tissue). — Abby Haglage, SELF, 25 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for metaplasia

• achalasia
• euthanasia
• hyperplasia
• hypoplasia
• neoplasia
• aphasia
• aplasia
• dysplasia
• fantasia
• telangiectasia

Medical 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