necrosis
nuh-KROH-sis
/nəˈkroʊsɪs/
The death of most or all of the cells in an organ or tissue due to disease, injury, or failure of the blood supply.
Refers to unprogrammed, premature cell death caused by external factors, unlike apoptosis (programmed cell death).
The story behind the word. Directly descended from Ancient Greek 'nekrosis' (mortification or dead state), rooted in 'nekros' (corpse). The root 'nek-' is ancient, appearing in words like 'necromancy' (speaking to the dead).
Word relationships
- gangrene: 'Gangrene' is a specific type of widespread tissue necrosis involving decay and infection.
- infarction: 'Infarction' is necrosis specifically caused by an obstruction of blood supply.
- viability: Viability indicates living, healthy tissue, whereas necrosis indicates tissue death.
Commonly confused with
- apoptosis: Apoptosis is programmed, clean cell death; necrosis is unprogrammed, traumatic cell destruction.
Word family
- necrotic (adjective): Pertaining to or affected by necrosis.
- necrotize (verb): To undergo or cause tissue death.
Collocations
- tissue necrosis
- avaskular necrosis
- cellular necrosis
- area of necrosis
Example sentences
- "Lack of blood flow to the limb caused rapid tissue necrosis, requiring emergency debridement." Surgical pathology.
- "The venom of certain viper species causes severe localized necrosis around the bite area." Toxicology report.
Memory hook
NECROsis: 'NECRO' always means death (like necromancer = death wizard). Necro = Corpse/Death.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'apoptosis', which is orderly, natural cell suicide essential for normal development.
Fun facts
- In flesh-eating bacterial infections (necrotizing fasciitis), tissue death can spread at a rate of up to one inch per hour.
Related words
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