metaplasia

noun

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

The conversion of an adult tissue directly into another form of adult tissue, as of hyaline cartilage into mucous tissue. This takes place principally, if not exclusively, among the tissues of the connective-tissue group.

noun

the conversion of one type of tissue into another