degenerative
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of degenerative
First recorded in 1840–50; degenerate + -ive
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.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which cartilage gradually breaks down, leaving joints painful, swollen and increasingly difficult to move.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
CTE, which stands for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a degenerative brain disease involving the buildup in the brain of “tau” proteins associated with forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 30, 2026
At least a quarter of National Football League players may end up with a degenerative brain disease, according to a new study published Tuesday that lays bare the extreme toll of America's favorite sport.
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
CTE is a degenerative brain disease that has been found in people who experience repetitive head trauma and can be diagnosed only after death.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
Because these small amounts of pesticides are cumulatively stored and only slowly excreted, the threat of chronic poisoning and degenerative changes of the liver and other organs is very real.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
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