degeneration

[dih-jen-uh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. the process of degenerating.

2. the condition or state of being degenerate.

3. Pathology.

   1. a process by which a tissue deteriorates, loses functional activity, and may become converted into or replaced by other kinds of tissue.

   2. the condition produced by such a process.

degeneration

/ dɪˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the process of degenerating

2. the state of being degenerate

3. biology the loss of specialization, function, or structure by organisms and their parts, as in the development of vestigial organs

4. 1. impairment or loss of the function and structure of cells or tissues, as by disease or injury, often leading to death (necrosis) of the involved part

   2. the resulting condition

5. electronics negative feedback of a signal

Other Word Forms

• nondegeneration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of degeneration¹

First recorded in 1475–85, degeneration is from the Late Latin word dēgenerātiōn- (stem of dēgenerātiō ). See de-, generation

Example Sentences

But even grappling with macular degeneration, Oliphant refuses to look away.

From Salon

One letter appears to show that Moth had previously been considered as having an "atypical form of corticobasal degeneration", but further examination suggested he may have "an even more unusual disorder, perhaps monogenetic".

From BBC

"Look around you at these monstrosities of insanity, insolence, incompetence and degeneration," he declared in his opening address.

From Salon

Her chief obstacle to more theatre work was her eyesight, she had macular degeneration, which made the stage increasingly difficult.

From BBC

"On MRI images, this decline can be seen as fatty degeneration of the muscle, where streaks of fat replace muscle fibers."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• decay 
• worsening www.thesaurus.com