Definitions

1. noun

a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by another adult cell type, especially in the epithelium of the respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts, often in response to chronic irritation or injury

“The doctor warned the patient that the metaplasia in their lungs could lead to cancer if left untreated.”

2. noun

a change in the type of cells in a tissue or organ, especially one that is not a normal part of development

“The researchers studied the metaplasia that occurred in the tissue samples from the patients with chronic bronchitis.”