retrogradation

American  

[re-troh-grey-dey-shuhn] / ˌrɛ troʊ greɪˈdeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. backward movement.

2. decline or deterioration.

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Other Word Forms

• retrogradatory adjective

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

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

But the advantages are all outward; if there be any inward change, it is apparently retrogradation, not advancement.

From Sketches in Canada, and rambles among the red men by Jameson, Mrs. (Anna)

As in the realm of irrational organisms, so in the history of mankind; it has to assume the most various ramifications with progress, stand-still, and retrogradation.

From The Theories of Darwin and Their Relation to Philosophy, Religion, and Morality by Zimmermann, G. A.

The energy which they had expended in being "'moted" was as nothing to the delirious determination with which they fought for retrogradation.

From Little Aliens by Kelly, Myra