apoptosis
Pronunciation: /ˌapə(p)ˈtəʊsɪs/
Definition of apoptosis
noun
- the death of cells which occurs as a normal and controlled part of an organism’s growth or development. Also called programmed cell death.
Derivatives
Pronunciation: /-ˈtɒtɪk/
adjective
Origin:
1970s: from Greek apoptōsis 'falling off', from apo 'from' + ptōsis 'falling, a fall'