morphogenesis

[ mawr-fuh-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

, Embryology.

1. the development of structural features of an organism or part.

morphogenesis

/ ˌmɔːfəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs; ˌmɔːfəʊdʒɪˈnɛtɪk /

noun

1. the development of form and structure in an organism during its growth from embryo to adult
2. the evolutionary development of form in an organism or part of an organism

morphogenesis

/ môr′fō-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs /

1. Formation of the structure of an organism or part involving differentiation and growth of tissues and organs during development.

Derived Forms

• morphogenetic, adjective

Other Words From

• mor·pho·ge·net·ic [mawr-foh-j, uh, -, net, -ik], morpho·genic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of morphogenesis¹

First recorded in 1880–85; morpho- + genesis

Example Sentences

The main process affected was morphogenesis -- an organism developing its shape -- and shapeless embryos cannot survive.

From Science Daily

"Being able to incorporate designer springs will also add a new tool to the growing capability at TU Chemnitz towards microelectronic morphogenesis and artificial life," adds Prof.

From Science Daily

Working with one researcher, she helped to solidify a section inspired by Turing’s theory on morphogenesis, which describes how natural patterns such as spirals form.

From Los Angeles Times

It is useful to consider how the egg in which an embryo resides also defines the physical context for morphogenesis.

From Nature

Its existence, Buceta said, “allows you to understand the fundamentals of morphogenesis and development—how cells act together when they’re forming and developing.”

From The New Yorker