programmed cell death

noun

: apoptosis

Examples of programmed cell death in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nivolumab blocks the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor on the immune system’s T cells. — New Atlas, 27 Jan. 2025 And so most programmed cell death follows that path. — Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of programmed cell death was in 1964

Rhymes for programmed cell death

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programme
programmed cell death
programmed instruction
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Cite this Entry

“Programmed cell death.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/programmed%20cell%20death. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

programmed cell death

noun
: apoptosis

More from Merriam-Webster on programmed cell death

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about programmed cell death

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