vacuolation

[ vak-yoo-uh-ley-shuhn, -yuh-ley- ]

noun

1. the formation of vacuoles.
2. the state of being vacuolate.
3. a system of vacuoles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vacuolation¹

First recorded in 1855–60; vacuole + -ation

Example Sentences

In the process of transformation the increased protoplasm of the epithelia first exhibits shining homogeneous lumps, which, after an intermediate stage of vacuolation, undergo an endogenous metamorphosis into nucleated bodies with a reticulum in each.

From Project Gutenberg