Degeneration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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degeneration
[หdษdสษชnษหreษชสษn ]
Definition
medical
The process of degenerating, especially the gradual deterioration of specific tissues, cells, or organs in the body.
Synonyms
breakdown, decay, deterioration.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| degeneration |
Used to describe the process of decline or loss of function, especially in the context of biology, health, or moral context.
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| deterioration |
Used to describe the process of becoming progressively worse, typically in the context of physical or mental health, as well as objects or conditions.
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| decay |
Used to refer to the gradual destruction or decomposition, often in the context of organic matter or infrastructure.
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| breakdown |
Often used to describe the failure of a system or machine, or to refer to a mental or emotional collapse.
|
Examples of usage
- The degeneration of the spinal discs can cause back pain.
- Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the degeneration of brain cells.
- Muscle degeneration can result from lack of exercise.
- The doctor diagnosed a degeneration of the hip joint.
- The degeneration of the liver can be caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, degeneration refers to the deterioration of cells, tissue, or organs, which can occur due to age, disease, or environmental factors.
- Neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's, are conditions where brain cells progressively degenerate, affecting memory and function.
- Research in genetics often explores how mutations can lead to degeneration of traits or overall fitness in organisms.
Psychology
- In psychological contexts, degeneration can refer to a decline in mental health or cognitive functions over time.
- The term is sometimes used in discussions about societal or moral decay, highlighting a perceived decline in collective values.
- Some theories in psychology suggest that constant stress can lead to degeneration in mental resilience and emotional stability.
Literature
- Degeneration is a prominent theme in works like Thomas Hardy's 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles,' showcasing the decline of social and personal ideals.
- In the early 20th century, writers and thinkers like Max Nordau discussed 'degeneration' in the context of societal changes and artistic decline.
- The term influenced literature that explores dystopian futures, where societies may face moral and structural degeneration.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'Blade Runner' and 'Mad Max' explore themes of societal degeneration in post-apocalyptic landscapes.
- Popular video games often depict degeneration through deteriorating cities, where players must navigate through broken environments.
- The concept of degeneration has been humorously portrayed in animated series, highlighting the decline of civilization in exaggerated ways.
Origin of 'degeneration'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'degenerare,' which means to decline or differ from a parent or original state.
- It entered English in the late 19th century, initially used in biological contexts to describe declining traits in species.
- The prefix 'de-' often implies a negative or downward movement, aligning with the idea of 'genesis' or creation.
The word 'degeneration' has Latin roots, coming from the combination of 'de-' meaning 'down' or 'away from' and 'generatio' meaning 'creation' or 'production'. The term was first used in the mid-18th century to describe the process of deteriorating or breaking down. Over time, it became commonly used in medical contexts to refer to the gradual deterioration of tissues or organs in the body.
See also: degenerate, generating, generative, regenerate, regenerator.