dedifferentiation

noun

de·​dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌdi-fə-ˌren-chē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce dedifferentiation (audio)
: reversion of specialized structures (such as cells) to a more generalized or primitive condition often as a preliminary to major physiological or structural change
dedifferentiate intransitive verb

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dedifferentiation was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near dedifferentiation

Cite this Entry

“Dedifferentiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dedifferentiation. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

dedifferentiation

noun
de·​dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion -ˌren-chē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce dedifferentiation (audio)
: reversion of specialized structures (as cells) to a more generalized or primitive condition often as a preliminary to major physiological or structural change

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