Ablastemic

/ˌæblæˈstiːmɪk/ adjective

Definition

Not capable of forming buds or sprouts; lacking the ability to regenerate or grow new parts.

Etymology

From Greek a- (without) + blastema (bud, sprout, germ). The word combines negative prefix with the biological term for the tissue capable of forming new growth.

Kelly Says

This medical term reveals how ancient Greek scientists noticed that some tissues could regrow (like salamander limbs) while others couldn't—a distinction doctors still use today when explaining why skin scars don't grow back with hair follicles!

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