senescent
Americanadjective
-
growing old; aging.
-
Cell Biology. (of a cell) no longer capable of dividing but still alive and metabolically active.
adjective
-
growing old
-
characteristic of old age
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of senescent
First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin senēscent- (stem of senēscēns ) present participle of senēscere “to grow old,” equivalent to sen- “old” + -ēscent- -escent
Explanation
Something senescent is growing old or is elderly. Senescent things are deteriorating. Senescent and senile have something in common — the Latin root senex which means "old.” A baby or even a teenager would not be described as senescent because they're youthful and full of life. A nursing home is full of people who could be described as senescent; they’re old. "The Who" was going to sing “hope I die before I get senescent,” but it just didn’t have the same ring to it.
Vocabulary lists containing senescent
This Week In Words: August 31–September 6, 2019
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Ancient Wisdom: Synonyms for "Old"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Last Cuentista
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Although senescent cells no longer divide, they continue using energy and carrying out metabolic activity.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 14, 2026
One of their most important responsibilities is swallowing senescent cells.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 3, 2026
Normal old mice accumulated senescent neutrophils in the liver, spleen and bone marrow.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 3, 2026
The treatment brought both total neutrophil levels and the number of senescent neutrophils in old mice closer to youthful levels.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 3, 2026
In one thin arm, threaded with veins in a kind of senescent bas-relief, was a basket.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
