cytopathic

[ sahy-tuh-path-ik ]

adjective

, Pathology.

1. of, relating to, or characterized by a pathological change in the function or form of a cell, leading to its death.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cytopathic¹

First recorded in 1960–65; cyto- + -pathic

Example Sentences

The flask was incubated for 4 days or until cytopathic effects were visible.

From Nature

The researchers suggest that while low concentrations of TcdB have a “cytopathic effect” i.e they damage the cells leading to apoptosis, high concentrations of TcdB lead to a “cytotoxic effect” killing the cells off without causing the controlled cell death of apoptosis.

From Scientific American