degeneration

American  

[dih-jen-uh-rey-shuhn] / dɪˌdʒɛn əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the process of degenerating.

2. the condition or state of being degenerate.

3. Pathology.

   1. a process by which a tissue deteriorates, loses functional activity, and may become converted into or replaced by other kinds of tissue.

   2. the condition produced by such a process.

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degeneration British  

/ dɪˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the process of degenerating

2. the state of being degenerate

3. biology the loss of specialization, function, or structure by organisms and their parts, as in the development of vestigial organs

4. 1. impairment or loss of the function and structure of cells or tissues, as by disease or injury, often leading to death (necrosis) of the involved part

   2. the resulting condition

5. electronics negative feedback of a signal

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Other Word Forms

• nondegeneration noun

Etymology

Origin of degeneration

First recorded in 1475–85, degeneration is from the Late Latin word dēgenerātiōn- (stem of dēgenerātiō ). See de-, generation

Example Sentences

In the United States, age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of permanent vision loss in adults who are 60 and older.

From Science Daily

Wyeth and Maxfield Parrish—retained critical and popular esteem, but most were ignored by middle-class tastemakers or maligned as conduits of cultural degeneration.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Free oxygen radicals damage proteins, which causes them to misfold and aggregate, then fatty protein deposits called drusen begin to accumulate, which is the main diagnostic criterion for the dry form of age-related macular degeneration."

From Science Daily

A tiny wireless chip placed at the back of the eye, combined with a pair of advanced smart glasses, has partially restored vision to people suffering from an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration.

From Science Daily

The report warned that the latest clashes may lead to a "degeneration" of the peace while further clashes remain likely.

From Barron's

Related Words

• decay
• worsening