Definition of Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation: The process of cooling and storing cells, tissues, or organs at very low temperatures to maintain viability. For example, the technology of cooling and storing cells at a temperature below the freezing point (-196 C) permits high rates of survivability upon thawing. In Greek "kryos" = cold. Cryopreservation is cold storage for the purpose of preservation.