This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
degeneration
[ dih-jen-uh-rey-shuhn ]
/ dɪˌdʒɛn əˈreɪ ʃən /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
QUIZ
GOOSES. GEESES. I WANT THIS QUIZ ON PLURAL NOUNS!
Test how much you really know about regular and irregular plural nouns with this quiz.
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
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. 2022
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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for degeneration
degeneration
[ dĭ-jĕn′ə-rā′shən ]
n.
The gradual deterioration of specific tissues, cells, or organs with impairment or loss of function, caused by injury, disease, or aging.
The evolutionary decline or loss of a function, characteristic, or structure in an organism or a species.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.