cell shrinkage

[sel ˈʃrɪŋkɪdʒ]
nounpl: cell shrinkages
encolhimento celular
1. The reduction in cell volume due to loss of water or cytoplasmic content, often occurring during apoptosis or in response to osmotic stress
Cell shrinkage is one of the early morphological changes observed during programmed cell death.
O encolhimento celular é uma das primeiras mudanças morfológicas observadas durante a morte celular programada.
2. A pathological or physiological decrease in cell size and mass
Researchers detected cell shrinkage in the neurons exposed to hyperosmotic conditions.
Os pesquisadores detectaram encolhimento celular nos neurônios expostos a condições hiperosmóticas.
Cell shrinkage is primarily used in scientific, medical, and research contexts in both Brazilian and American English-speaking communities. It is a technical term commonly found in cellular biology, pathology, and medical research literature. No significant cultural variation in usage exists between regions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cell volume reductioncellular shrinkagecrenationplasmolysis
Antonyms / Antônimos
cell swellingcell enlargementhypertrophy

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
encolhimento celular
Standard medical and scientific terminology used throughout Brazil
Portugal
retração celular
Alternative term sometimes used in Portuguese scientific literature
Technical/Academic
redução do volume celular
More formal, descriptive alternative in academic contexts

Related Words

apoptosisosmotic stresscytoplasmcell membranewater lossprogrammed cell death

Related Idioms & Phrases

undergo cell shrinkage
exhibit signs of cell shrinkage
trigger cell shrinkage
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