degeneration
Americannoun
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the process of degenerating.
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the condition or state of being degenerate.
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Pathology.
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a process by which a tissue deteriorates, loses functional activity, and may become converted into or replaced by other kinds of tissue.
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the condition produced by such a process.
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noun
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the process of degenerating
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the state of being degenerate
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biology the loss of specialization, function, or structure by organisms and their parts, as in the development of vestigial organs
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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
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the resulting condition
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electronics negative feedback of a signal
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing degeneration
This Week in Words: April 6–12, 2019
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Tears of a Tiger
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All Quiet on the Western Front
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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.
A diagnosis of CTE requires evidence of degeneration of brain tissue that can only be seen during an autopsy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026
Medicines can ease symptoms and help manage complications, but they cannot reverse the underlying degeneration of the mitral valve.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026
"If the degeneration of the mitral valve becomes severe, surgery to repair or replace the valve is needed."
From Science Daily ● Jul. 12, 2026
That doctor looked at the back of Kekoa’s eyes and diagnosed him with myopic degeneration, a dramatic form of nearsightedness.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2026
“I think I’m going to play it safe and go read—and, hey, there’s Ruby! You two can enjoy the degeneration of human decency without me.”
From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
