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morphogenesis
noun
mor·pho·gen·e·sis
ˌmȯr-fə-ˈje-nə-səs
: the formation and differentiation of tissues and organs compare organogenesis
Examples of morphogenesis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Levin has spent much of his career studying how cell collectives communicate to solve sophisticated challenges during morphogenesis, or body building.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024
The goal is not to create grotesque creatures such as the Fiji Mermaid but to understand more about the rules of natural morphogenesis (the development of biological form) and to make useful structures and devices by engineering living tissue for applications in medicine, robotics, and beyond.
—Philip Ball, Scientific American, 18 Apr. 2023
Self-organizing optic-cup morphogenesis in three-dimensional culture.
—Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 8 Apr. 2011
Hierarchical modularity and pattern completion can help understand the decision-making of cells and neurons during morphogenesis and brain processes, generating well adaptive animals and behavior.
—Rafael Yuste, Scientific American, 11 Dec. 2021
Researchers disagree about the role that bioelectricity plays in morphogenesis.
—Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 3 May 2021
Among his enthusiasms were his work on various scientific themes, including morphogenesis, the theory of growth and form in biology; his continued secret ties to Britain’s postwar code breakers; and long-distance running.
—New York Times, 5 June 2019
Skeletal morphogenesis of Microbrachis and Hyloplesion (Tetrapoda: Lepospondyli), and implications for the developmental patterns of extinct, early tetrapods.
—Darren Naish, Scientific American Blog Network, 7 July 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'morphogenesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
New Latin
First Known Use
circa 1890, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near morphogenesis
Cite this Entry
“Morphogenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morphogenesis. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
morphogenesis
noun
mor·pho·gen·e·sis
ˌmȯr-fə-ˈjen-ə-səs
plural morphogeneses
-ˌsēz
: the development of normal form or structure especially as controlled by the growth, differentiation, and movement of cells and tissues
Deficiencies in neural plate development at early stages would lead not only to abnormal brain morphogenesis but also to deficient eye formation …—Science
More from Merriam-Webster on morphogenesis
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about morphogenesis
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