Definition

A condition where cells revert to a less mature or less specialized form, often seen in cancerous tumors.

Example

The doctor explained that anaplasia can indicate a more aggressive type of cancer.

Conversation

I read an article about cancer treatments and they mentioned anaplasia a lot.

Oh really? What does that term mean exactly?

It’s when cells revert to a less mature form, often seen in tumors.

That sounds pretty serious; it must be difficult to treat.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Anaplasia is formed from "ana-" (meaning up, back, or again) and "plasis" (from Greek "plassein", meaning to form or shape). The term describes a process where cells revert to a more primitive or less differentiated state, essentially 'forming back' to an earlier stage.

Memory Tip

Think of 'forming back' ('plasis') to a less developed state ('ana-') — that's what anaplasia means.

Visually Confused Words