angiogenesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low Frequency (Specialist)Technical/Scientific, Medical, Academic (Biology/Medicine)
Quick answer
What does “angiogenesis” mean?
The physiological process of forming new blood vessels from pre-existing ones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The physiological process of forming new blood vessels from pre-existing ones.
The development and growth of blood vessels. It is a crucial natural process in healing, growth, and development, but is also a key factor in the progression of diseases such as cancer, where tumours stimulate angiogenesis to supply themselves with nutrients.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. It remains a specialist term in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral scientific process in both varieties, with negative connotations primarily when discussed in pathological contexts like cancer.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both the UK and US. Frequency is identical and confined to medical/biological literature and discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “angiogenesis” in a Sentence
Angiogenesis occurs in [tissue/organ].[Substance/condition] promotes/inhibits angiogenesis.The role of angiogenesis in [disease] is significant.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “angiogenesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tumour cells signal the surrounding tissue to initiate angiogenesis.
- Researchers are trying to understand what factors cause a tumour to begin angiogenesis.
American English
- The therapy is designed to stop tumours from inducing angiogenesis.
- During wound healing, tissues naturally trigger angiogenesis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, only in biotech/pharma contexts discussing drug development (e.g., 'Our pipeline includes an angiogenesis inhibitor.').
Academic
Primary context. Used in biology, medicine, pharmacology, and oncology research papers and lectures.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson might say 'the tumour grew its own blood supply'.
Technical
Core term in medical and biological sciences, specifically in physiology, developmental biology, and oncology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “angiogenesis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “angiogenesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angiogenesis”
- Mispronunciation: Stress is on the third syllable (-GEN-), not the second. Correct: an-gi-o-GEN-e-sis.
- Misspelling as 'angiogenisis' or 'angioneogenesis'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The tumour angiogenises'). The correct verb form is less common: 'to undergo angiogenesis' or 'angiogenic activity occurs'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a vital, normal process for growth, development, and wound healing (good). However, it becomes harmful (pathological) when it supports diseases like cancer, where tumours use it to grow and spread.
Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. Vasculogenesis is the de novo (from scratch) formation of blood vessels from progenitor cells or stem cells, typically occurring in the embryo.
Yes, the body regulates it with precise balance using promoters and inhibitors. In medicine, drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors (or anti-angiogenic therapy) are used to treat cancer and some eye diseases by blocking this process.
No, it is a very low-frequency, highly specialised scientific term. The average person will rarely, if ever, encounter or use it in daily conversation.
The physiological process of forming new blood vessels from pre-existing ones.
Angiogenesis is usually technical/scientific, medical, academic (biology/medicine) in register.
Angiogenesis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.dʒi.əʊˈdʒen.ə.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.dʒi.oʊˈdʒen.ə.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for this highly technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ANGIO' (relating to blood vessels, as in 'angiogram') + 'GENESIS' (origin or creation). So, 'angiogenesis' = the creation of new blood vessels.
Conceptual Metaphor
The body's construction of a nutrient supply network. Tumours are often described as 'hijacking' or 'recruiting' this process to build their own 'roads' (blood vessels) for 'supplies' (oxygen, nutrients).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the term 'angiogenesis' MOST appropriately used?