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

Explanation

Degeneration is a process of decline. Anything that’s getting worse is going through degeneration. A grand old mansion that’s now abandoned and covered with weeds is in a state of degeneration. When something degenerates, it gets worse in some way, like a house that’s slowly sinking in the mud. This process of decline is called degeneration. The word is from the Latin word degenerare which means "to be inferior to one's ancestors.” Ouch. Now degeneration refers to anything in a state of decline, such as a friendship that was strong and now barely exists.

Example Sentences

Not all physicians recognise the condition, so FTD patients are often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, according to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2024

Embiid then mimicked a crude Degeneration X chop that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2023

Degeneration of these dopamine and pyramidal neurons plays a key role in the development of neurological disorders.

From Science Daily • Sep. 18, 2023

There currently is no cure and no way to prevent its onset, according to the Assn. of Frontotemporal Degeneration.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2023

This new book by the author of "Degeneration," has many of the qualities which gave its predecessor such a phenomenal sale.

From Beatrice Boville and Other Stories by Ouida

Related Words

• decay
• worsening