autophagy

auto- +‎ -phagy

autophagy (countable and uncountable, plural autophagies)

1. (cytology) The process of self-digestion by a cell through the action of enzymes originating within the same cell. Often a defensive and/or self-preservation measure.
2. (cytology) A type of programmed cell death accomplished through self-digestion.
3. (rare) Self-consumption; the act of eating oneself.

• (self-consumption): autocannibalism

• (programmed cell death): apoptosis

• autophagal
• autophagous