Definition of "metaplasia" [metaplasia]

• Normal transformation of tissue from one type to another, as in the ossification of cartilage to form bone. (noun)
• Transformation of cells from a normal to an abnormal state. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "In this clinical trial, eight U.S. centers enrolled 70 patients having intestinal metaplasia, which is the earliest stage of Barrett's esophagus."
• "The sites of metaplasia frequently are also sites for neoplastic transformations."
• "Chondromata and osteochondromata may be benign but are prone to develop malignancy, and by sarcomatous or other changes, even metaplasia."