apolysis

/əˈpɒlɪsɪs/

Definitions

1. noun

A process in which cells or tissues are gradually dissolved and removed, especially during the shedding of skin or scales in certain animals, or in the process of apoptosis in multicellular organisms.

“The process of apolysis is essential for the development of many animals, including frogs, where it helps to remove the skin that was present in the larval stage.”

Synonyms

  • apoptosis
  • ecdysis

Antonyms

  • anabolism
  • proliferation