senescent

[ si-nes-uhnt ]

adjective

1. growing old; aging.
2. Cell Biology. (of a cell) no longer capable of dividing but still alive and metabolically active.

senescent

/ sɪˈnɛsənt /

adjective

1. growing old
2. characteristic of old age

Derived Forms

• seˈnescence, noun

Other Words From

• se·nescence noun
• unse·nescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of senescent¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin senēscent- (stem of senēscēns ) present participle of senēscere “to grow old,” equivalent to sen- “old” + -ēscent- -escent

Word History and Origins

Origin of senescent¹

C17: from Latin senēscere to grow old, from senex old

Example Sentences

One was zapped with radiation, another tweaked to become cancerous, and a third that turned into “zombie” senescent cells.

From Singularity Hub 

Even worse, some cells give up completely and turn into senescent “zombie cells”—they don’t die, but don’t perform normal functions, instead spewing out toxic immune chemicals.

From Singularity Hub 

Others may turn a cell cancerous or senescent, leaking toxic chemicals and endangering nearby cells.

From Singularity Hub 

The gardener slammed the door of the senescent truck with vehement lack of affection.

From Project Gutenberg

Has it not sometimes occurred to you that it is only in the senescent epoch of a nations life that love disappears?

From Project Gutenberg

By that sort of piety to which senescent female sinners everywhere and at all times devote themselves she secured new friends.

From Project Gutenberg

That senescent October moon which a year ago marked the end of love's halcyon would have been a suitable light for such a party.

From Project Gutenberg

A senescent city; mostly antiquated Spanish architecture,—ponderous archways and earthquake-proof walls.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• elderly