metaplasia
/ˌmɛtəˈpleɪʒə/
noun
- The change of one type of body cell into another type, often as a response to stress or injury.
- The doctor explained that metaplasia in the stomach lining can sometimes be a reaction to chronic inflammation.
- In some cases, intestinal metaplasia in the esophagus is a condition that requires monitoring.
- Smoking can cause metaplasia in the cells of the lungs, changing them from one type to another.