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degeneration
[ dih-jen-uh-rey-shuhn ]
/ dɪˌdʒɛn əˈreɪ ʃən /
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noun
the process of degenerating.
the condition or state of being degenerate.
Pathology.
- a process by which a tissue deteriorates, loses functional activity, and may become converted into or replaced by other kinds of tissue.
- the condition produced by such a process.
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Origin of degeneration
First recorded in 1475–85, degeneration is from the Late Latin word dēgenerātiōn- (stem of dēgenerātiō). See de-, generation
OTHER WORDS FROM degeneration
non·de·gen·er·a·tion, nounWords nearby degeneration
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use degeneration in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for degeneration
degeneration
/ (dɪˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃən) /
noun
the process of degenerating
the state of being degenerate
biology the loss of specialization, function, or structure by organisms and their parts, as in the development of vestigial organs
- 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
- the resulting condition
electronics negative feedback of a signal
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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