noun

autophagy

aw-TOF-uh-jee

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Autophagy (noun) means the process by which a cell breaks down its own components using enzymes it produces itself, often as a way of protecting or maintaining itself. Example: “Fasting is thought to trigger autophagy, prompting cells to clear out damaged material.”

noun

biology The process by which a cell breaks down its own components using enzymes it produces itself, often as a way of protecting or maintaining itself.

"Fasting is thought to trigger autophagy, prompting cells to clear out damaged material."

"Researchers are studying how autophagy helps cells survive periods of stress."

"Autophagy lets a cell digest its own damaged parts rather than let them build up."

biology A form of programmed cell death in which a cell destroys itself through this same process of self-digestion.

"Autophagy can act as a controlled route to cell death, distinct from apoptosis."

"The study compared autophagy with other forms of programmed cell death."

How to use autophagy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is a cell tidying itself up, or in some cases destroying itself, using its own internal enzymes.

When to use it

This is a technical term from cell biology, not used in everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Split the word into auto (self) and phagy (eating) to remember it means self-digestion.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

apoptosis →

Common pairings

trigger autophagy autophagy in cells levels of autophagy process of autophagy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “autophagy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Fasting is thought to trigger _____, prompting cells to clear out damaged material.

Etymology

Formed from auto-, meaning self, and -phagy, a suffix relating to eating or consuming.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for autophagy

Nagy

See all rhymes for autophagy →

Frequently asked questions

What does autophagy mean?

It is the process in which a cell digests its own parts using its own enzymes, usually to remove damaged material or survive stress.

Is autophagy good or bad for the body?

In its usual sense it is a protective, self-maintaining process for cells, though the same mechanism can also lead to a cell's death.

How is autophagy different from apoptosis?

Both are forms of programmed cell death, but autophagy works through the cell digesting its own components, while apoptosis follows a distinct, separate pathway.

What is the meaning of autophagy?

"autophagy" (noun) means the process by which a cell breaks down its own components using enzymes it produces itself, often as a way of protecting or maintaining itself.