autophagy
English
Etymology
auto- + -phagy
Noun
autophagy (uncountable)
- (biology) 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.
- (biology) A type of programmed cell death accomplished through self-digestion.
- (rare) Self-consumption; the act of eating oneself.
Synonyms
- (self-consumption): autocannibalism
Coordinate terms
- (programmed cell death): apoptosis
Related terms
- autophagal
- autophagous
Translations
the process of self-digestion
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