metaplasia JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˌmɛtəˈpleɪʒiə/ · met·a·pla·sia
noun
  1. The conversion of one type of tissue into another. Chronic irritation of the bronchial lining can cause metaplasia, where normal ciliated epithelium is replaced by squamous cells.
Did you know? Barrett's esophagus, where the esophageal lining becomes intestinal‑type tissue, is a classic clinical example of metaplasia.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 14, 2026