autophagy

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Noun

autophagy (uncountable)

1. (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.
2. (biology) A type of programmed cell death accomplished through self-digestion.
3. (rare) Self-consumption; the act of eating oneself.

Synonyms

• (self-consumption) autocannibalism

Related terms

• autophagal
• autophagous

Translations

• French: autophagie
• German: Autophagie
• Italian: autofagia
• Portuguese: autofagia
• Russian: аутофа́гия
• Spanish: autofagia

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