anagen

noun

an·​a·​gen ˈa-nə-ˌjen How to pronounce anagen (audio)
: the active phase of the hair growth cycle that precedes catagen and telogen, that is marked by rapid division and differentiation of cells in the lower portion of the hair follicle and by lengthening of the hair shaft, and that typically lasts between two to six years

Note: At any given time, approximately 80% to 90% of hair follicles are in anagen.

Examples of anagen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Hair grows in the anagen phase, stays at rest in the catagen phase, and eventually sheds in the telogen phase. Mark Gurarie, Health, 27 Oct. 2024 The stages are anagen (growth stage), catagen (regression stage), telogen (resting stage), and exogen (shedding stage). Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024 In the study, the mice received their respective treatments daily for 20 days, after which skin sections were analyzed to gauge hair length, diameter, follicle density and width, hair anagen (growth) and telogen (rest) ratio, melanin coverage of hair bulbs and growth in blood vessels. New Atlas, 22 July 2024 The average hair growth cycle occurs in three phases: the growing phase (anagen) which can last up to six years until the regressing phase occurs (catagen), before the hair sheds in the (telogen) resting phase. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 1 Apr. 2024 Scalp health has a major impact on hair growth, and improving blood circulation is important for the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2024 Researchers concluded that rice bran mineral extract may lengthen the time the hair follicle is in the anagen phase, which is when follicle growth occurs. Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 1 Jan. 2024 The anagen phase is not only the most active but also the longest of the stages, lasting anywhere between three to seven years depending on individual factors such as ethnicity, overall health and medication. Georgia Day, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2023 After the anagen growth phase, the lashes enter a 15-day catagen phase, in which the eyelashes stop growing before entering the third and final telogen (or resting) phase. Lindsay Modglin, Health, 22 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

ana- + -gen

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anagen was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near anagen

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

anagen

noun
an·​a·​gen ˈan-ə-ˌjen How to pronounce anagen (audio)
: the active phase of the hair growth cycle that precedes catagen and telogen, that is marked by rapid division and differentiation of cells in the lower portion of the hair follicle and by lengthening of the hair shaft, and that typically lasts between two to six years

Note: At any given time, approximately 80% to 90% of hair follicles are in anagen.

The initial step, anagen, provides the active growth of the hair fiber, during which cells at the base of the follicle rapidly divide.Damaris Christensen
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