ScienceSeptember 6, 2026

antiproliferative

AN-tee-pro-LIF-er-uh-tiv

Definition

Acting to inhibit or suppress the growth and multiplication of cells, specifically preventing the spread of cancer cells.

Etymology

The word is composed of the Greek prefix 'anti-' meaning 'against' and the Latin-derived 'proliferous,' from 'proles' (offspring) and 'ferre' (to bear), collectively meaning 'bearing offspring' or 'multiplying'.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe how the garlic compound DATS exerts its effect on cancer cells by preventing them from dividing and multiplying, thereby slowing or stopping tumor growth.

Garlic compound blocks key signal, triggering gastric cancer cell death

Read the full article ↗

Bioengineer.org

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