Autophagy

Origin

- + phagy + -

Full definition of autophagy

Noun

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

Coordinate terms

• (programmed cell death) apoptosis