retrogradation
Americannoun
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backward movement.
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decline or deterioration.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of retrogradation
1545–55; < Late Latin retrōgradātiōn- (stem of retrōgradātiō ), probably equivalent to Latin retrōgrad ( us ) retrograde + -ātiō -ation, as translation of Greek anapodismós
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.
The retrogradation of wheat starch in bread is responsible for staling.
From New York Times ● Aug. 6, 2016
As it cools down, the starch goes through a process called retrogradation and the molecules begin to to rearrange and realign themselves into a crystalline structure again.
From Forbes ● Nov. 23, 2011
A glance at each successive pair of dates will quickly disclose the periodical retrogradation of the eclipse epochs.
From The Story of Eclipses by George F. (George Frederick) Chambers
The acetates of hydrolysed celluloses manifest a retrogradation in structural and physical properties, proportioned to the degree of hydrolysis of the original.
From Researches on Cellulose 1895-1900 by C. F. Cross
At long intervals some master-minds appeared, looking upon each advance in practical science as a retrogradation in the true utility.
From Edgar Allan Poe's Complete Poetical Works by Edgar Allan Poe
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