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Degeneration: meaning, definitions and examples

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degeneration

 

[ ˌdɛdʒɪnəˈreɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical

The process of degenerating, especially the gradual deterioration of specific tissues, cells, or organs in the body.

Synonyms

breakdown, decay, deterioration

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

Translations of the word "degeneration" in other languages:

🇵🇹 degeneração

🇮🇳 अपकर्षण

🇩🇪 Degeneration

🇮🇩 degenerasi

🇺🇦 дегенерація

🇵🇱 degeneracja

🇯🇵 退化 (たいか)

🇫🇷 dégénérescence

🇪🇸 degeneración

🇹🇷 dejenerasyon

🇰🇷 퇴화 (퇴행)

🇸🇦 انحطاط

🇨🇿 degenerace

🇸🇰 degenerácia

🇨🇳 退化 (tuìhuà)

🇸🇮 degeneracija

🇮🇸 hrörnun

🇰🇿 деградация

🇬🇪 დეგენერაცია

🇦🇿 degenerasiya

🇲🇽 degeneración

Word origin

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,942 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.