degeneration
[ dih-jen-uh-rey-shuh n ]
/ dɪˌdʒɛn əˈreɪ ʃən /
noun
the process of degenerating.
the condition or state of being degenerate.
Pathology.
- a process by which a tissue deteriorates, loses functional activity, and may become converted into or replaced by other kinds of tissue.
- the condition produced by such a process.
Origin of degeneration
First recorded in 1475–85,
degeneration is from the Late Latin word
dēgenerātiōn- (stem of
dēgenerātiō). See
de-,
generation
OTHER WORDS FROM degeneration
non·de·gen·er·a·tion, nounWords nearby degeneration
Example sentences from the Web for degeneration
British Dictionary definitions for degeneration
degeneration
/ (dɪˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃən) /
noun
the process of degenerating
the state of being degenerate
biology
the loss of specialization, function, or structure by organisms and their parts, as in the development of vestigial organs
- 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
- the resulting condition
electronics
negative feedback of a signal
Medical definitions for degeneration
degeneration
[ dĭ-jĕn′ə-rā′shən ]
n.
The gradual deterioration of specific tissues, cells, or organs with impairment or loss of function, caused by injury, disease, or aging.
The evolutionary decline or loss of a function, characteristic, or structure in an organism or a species.