de novo
Meaning of de novo: Borrowed from Latin, the phrase de novo marks something arising fresh and new rather than developing from a prior state.
Definition of de novo
De novo is a Latin phrase meaning from the beginning or anew, used throughout medicine to describe something that arises fresh rather than developing from or building upon something that already existed. The term is applied broadly across many contexts rather than referring to a single specific process.
In genetics, a de novo mutation is a new genetic change present in a person that was not inherited from either parent, having instead arisen for the first time in that individual. In oncology, a cancer described as de novo is one that develops as a new, original disease rather than progressing from a previously recognized precursor condition. Biochemistry also uses the term, as in de novo synthesis, describing a molecule the body builds from simple starting materials rather than obtaining or recycling from an existing source.
Across these varied uses, de novo consistently marks a starting point, distinguishing something newly formed from a condition that developed out of a pre-existing state.
Used in a sentence
Genetic testing identified a de novo mutation not present in either parent's DNA.
Good to know
The meaning of de novo depends entirely on context, since the term describes a general concept, something newly arising, rather than one specific disease process or event.
Word origin
Where “de novo” comes from
Latin phrase meaning literally from new, from de, meaning from, and novus, meaning new.