degenerative
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- nondegenerative adjective
- undegenerative adjective
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.
"Cells have a mechanism to get rid of these proteins, but it gets damaged in degenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's. NU-9 is rescuing the pathway that saves the cell."
From Science Daily
The degenerative disease creates scar tissue that stiffens the lungs making it difficult to breathe and for oxygen to enter the bloodstream.
From BBC
Now, as it celebrates its centenary, staff have been looking back on the company's role in developing a treatment for a rare degenerative condition affecting young boys – a story retold in a Hollywood film.
From BBC
As human cells grow older or are harmed by degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, or by exposure to harmful agents like chemotherapy drugs, their ability to generate energy steadily drops.
From Science Daily
Across the globe, a wide range of animals, including household pets, livestock, and marine species, are developing serious health problems such as cancer, obesity, diabetes, and degenerative joint disease.
From Science Daily
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.
