autophagy
noun/ɔːˈtɒfədʒi/
/ɔːˈtɑːfədʒi/
[uncountable] (biology)- a natural process in which the body breaks down and consumes its own tissue or cells
- Autophagy may completely destroy damaged molecules, or recycle them so they can be used for cellular repair.
Word OriginMid 19th century: from auto- + -phagy (from Greek phago ‘eating’).Want to learn more?
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