apoptosis

What is the opposite of apoptosis? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.

Noun — Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death in which a cell follows an ordered sequence of steps that ends in its own destruction, as part of normal growth, ageing, or a response to injury.

We haven't recorded synonyms for apoptosis yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use apoptosis

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

undergo apoptosis trigger apoptosis apoptosis pathway induce apoptosis cells undergo apoptosis

This word belongs to biology and medicine and rarely appears outside technical or scientific writing.

Etymology

Apoptosis comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning a falling off, itself built from a prefix meaning away from and a noun meaning falling. The image is of something dropping away, as leaves fall from a tree.

Full origin of apoptosis →

Frequently asked questions

What does apoptosis mean?

It is the scientific term for programmed cell death, where a cell is deliberately broken down and removed in an orderly way.

Is apoptosis the same as necrosis?

No. Apoptosis is an orderly, programmed process, whereas necrosis is uncontrolled cell death usually caused by injury or disease.

Why does the body use apoptosis?

It clears out cells during normal growth and development, as part of natural ageing, and in response to cell damage.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of apoptosis