HealthAugust 6, 2026

ontogeny

on-TOD-juh-nee

Definition

The developmental history and biological origins of an organism or a specific type of cell over the course of its lifespan.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'ontos' (being) and 'genesis' (origin or production). It was coined in the late 19th century to describe the development of an individual organism.

In the news

The article uses the term in the context of tracing the cellular lineage and origins of microglia to determine whether they develop from early embryonic cells or are replenished by bone marrow over time.

Peripheral Blood Cells Replenish Aging Human Microglia

Read the full article ↗

Neuroscience News

Related words

hematopoiesis

The biological process through which the body produces new blood cells, primarily…

Health

hemochromatosis

A genetic condition characterized by the body absorbing and storing excessive amounts of…

Health

myosteatosis

The abnormal infiltration and accumulation of fat within muscle tissue, which serves as…

Health

spirometry

A medical test that measures the volume and speed of air a person can inhale and exhale…

Health

archaea

One of the two primary domains of single-celled, prokaryotic microorganisms that are…

Health

autocatalysis

A process in which a chemical reaction is accelerated or sustained by one of its own…

Health

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.