morphogenetic

adjective

mor·​pho·​ge·​net·​ic ˌmȯr-fə-jə-ˈne-tik 

: relating to or concerned with the development of normal organic form

morphogenetic movements of early embryonic cells

morphogenetically

ˌmȯr-fə-jə-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of morphogenetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers have recently discovered that the bone morphogenetic protein type 2 receptor (BMPR2) gene, which mainly regulates bone and cartilage growth, can be linked to PAH when mutations occur. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024

Designed for use in spinal fusion surgery of the lower back, Infuse consists of a titanium cage that houses a collagen sponge soaked in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), a growth factor that signals bone-forming cells to produce new tissue. —Liza Gross, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2014

Similarly, the local metabolic and signaling goals of the cells integrate toward a morphogenetic outcome of building and repairing complex organs. —Rafael Yuste, Scientific American, 11 Dec. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

morphogenetic

adjective

mor·​pho·​ge·​net·​ic -jə-ˈnet-ik 

: relating to or concerned with the development of normal form or structure especially as controlled by the growth, differentiation, and movement of cells and tissues

morphogenetic movements of early embryonic cells

morphogenetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

a morphogenetically active matrix