metaplasia
noun
meta·pla·sia
ˌme-tə-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə 
1
: transformation of one tissue into another
2
: abnormal replacement of cells of one type by cells of another
Examples of metaplasia in a Sentence
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This inflammatory response turns them into columnar cells, resulting in columnar metaplasia.
—
Mark Gurarie, Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Other theories have included immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and metaplasia (an abnormal change in the tissue).
—Abby Haglage, SELF, 25 Oct. 2017
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Mark Gurarie, Health, 7 Mar. 2025
Other theories have included immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and metaplasia (an abnormal change in the tissue).
—Abby Haglage, SELF, 25 Oct. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Metaplasia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaplasia. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
metaplasia
noun
meta·pla·sia
ˌmet-ə-ˈplā-zh(ē-)ə
1
: transformation of one tissue into another
metaplasia of cartilage into bone
2
: abnormal replacement of cells of one type by cells of another
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