autophagy
English edit
Etymology edit
Noun edit
autophagy (countable and uncountable, plural autophagies)
- (cytology) The process of self-digestion by a cell through the action of enzymes originating within the same cell. Often a defensive and/or self-preservation measure.
- (cytology) A type of programmed cell death accomplished through self-digestion.
- (rare) Self-consumption; the act of eating oneself.
Synonyms edit
- (self-consumption): autocannibalism
Coordinate terms edit
- (programmed cell death): apoptosis
Derived terms edit
Related terms edit
Translations edit
the process of self-digestion
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