regenerate

[ri-jen-uh-reyt, ri-jen-er-it]

verb (used with object)

regenerated, regenerating 

1. to effect a complete moral reform in.

   Synonyms: uplift, redeem, reform

2. to re-create, reconstitute, or make over, especially in a better form or condition.

3. to revive or produce anew; bring into existence again.

4. Biology.,  to renew or restore (a lost, removed, or injured part).

5. Physics.,  to restore (a substance) to a favorable state or physical condition.

6. Electronics.,  to magnify the amplification of, by relaying part of the output circuit power into the input circuit.

7. Theology.,  to cause to be born again spiritually.

verb (used without object)

regenerated, regenerating 

1. to come into existence or be formed again.

2. to reform; become regenerate.

3. to produce a regenerative effect.

4. to undergo regeneration.

adjective

1. reconstituted or made over in a better form.

2. reformed.

3. Theology.,  born again spiritually.

regenerate

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo moral, spiritual, or physical renewal or invigoration

2. to form or be formed again; come or bring into existence once again

3. to replace (lost or damaged tissues or organs) by new growth, or to cause (such tissues) to be replaced

4. chem to restore or be restored to an original physical or chemical state

5. (tr) electronics (in a digital system) to reshape (distorted incoming pulses) for onward transmission

adjective

1. morally, spiritually, or physically renewed or reborn; restored or refreshed

Other Word Forms

• regenerable adjective
• regenerateness noun
• nonregenerate adjective
• nonregenerating adjective
• unregenerable adjective
• unregenerating adjective
• regenerative adjective
• regeneracy noun
• regeneratively adverb
• regenerator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of regenerate¹

1425–75; late Middle English (adj.) < Latin regenerātus, past participle of regenerāre to bring forth again, equivalent to re- re- + generātus; generate

Example Sentences

Oligodendrocytes, the cells that produce myelin to insulate nerve fibers, expressed fewer genes required for maintaining and regenerating the myelin sheath.

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At more advanced stages, they die and cannot regenerate.

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Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy, senior author and consultant in prosthodontics at King's College London, explained: "Unlike bones and hair, enamel does not regenerate, once it is lost, it's gone forever."

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Scientists have developed a new material that forms a gel capable of repairing and regenerating tooth enamel, paving the way for more effective and longer-lasting dental care.

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Former captain Steve Waugh criticised the selection, saying Bailey did not have the "appetite" to make tough calls to regenerate the side.

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Related Words

• invigorate 
• reconstruct 
• recreate 
• reestablish www.thesaurus.com
• reinvigorate 
• rejuvenate 
• reproduce 

When To Use

What does regenerate mean?

Regenerate means to renew or restore something, especially after it has been damaged or lost.The act or process of regenerating is regeneration. Both terms are commonly used in the context of biology to refer to the regrowth of part of an organism or environment. In this sense, a close synonym is regrow. In animals, tissue, organs, or other body parts that have been injured or lost are sometimes regenerated. In some animals, regeneration happens on an even greater scale, with some being able to regrow an entire limb or tail. Environments that have been damaged or destroyed, like forests or grasslands damaged by fire, can also regenerate.Regenerate can also be used in other specific ways.In the context of religion, regenerate can mean to be spiritually reborn. In chemistry, to regenerate is to restore or be restored to an original physical or chemical state. In audio electronics, regenerate means to increase amplification through a kind of feedback process.Much less commonly, regenerate can be used as an adjective meaning restored, renewed, reborn, or morally reformed.Example: It is hoped that the experimental treatment will reduce healing time by helping tissue to regenerate more quickly.