degenerative
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
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.
CTE, which stands for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a degenerative brain disease involving the buildup in the brain of “tau” proteins associated with forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 30, 2026
At least a quarter of National Football League players may end up with a degenerative brain disease, according to a new study published Tuesday that lays bare the extreme toll of America's favorite sport.
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
CTE is a degenerative brain disease that has been found in people who experience repetitive head trauma and can be diagnosed only after death.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people each year and can occur in many different joints throughout the body.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 23, 2026
The distinguished historian Tony Judt, who died in mid-2010 of motor neuron disease, used it to compose essays after his degenerative disease robbed him of the ability to move.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
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