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
Frightful retrogradation of human nature, all the more hideous that it contrasted with the elegance of the costume!
From History of the Commune of 1871 by Lissagary, P.
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 Poe, Edgar Allan
In truth, however, the retrogradation was much slighter than appeared on the surface.
From American Political Ideas Viewed from the Standpoint of Universal History by Fiske, John
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.
