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

Using a well-established fruit fly model, the research team discovered that a neuron's resistance to degeneration is closely tied to how it processes sugar.

From Science Daily

"Stem cell-derived retinal implants may offer one of the greatest possibilities for helping patients with dry age-related macular degeneration and one day, may offer a cure."

From Science Daily

She has macular degeneration and is considered legally blind, though she has been able to function at home.

From MarketWatch

If your pain is from nerve compression, a disc issue or joint degeneration, inactivity can cause muscles to tighten, pain to worsen, loss of physical condition and more debility.

From Science Daily

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

Related Words

• decay
• worsening