degenerative

adjective

de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive di-ˈje-nə-rə-tiv 

-ˈjen-rə-;

-ˈje-nə-ˌrā-;

dē-

: of, relating to, involving, or causing degeneration

a degenerative disease

Did you know?

Degenerative diseases—including cancer, glaucoma, Parkinson's, diabetes, arthritis, and leprosy—are usually contrasted with infectious diseases (diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa). However, many infectious diseases (Lyme disease, AIDS, etc.) can cause a body or body part to degenerate, and infective organisms play a part in some degenerative diseases. Some degenerative diseases can be controlled; some can even be cured. But no one has yet discovered a way to reverse such degenerative conditions as multiple sclerosis, emphysema, or Alzheimer's.

Examples of degenerative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other degenerative eye conditions or diseases go beyond diminished vision, however, and can completely rob you of your ability to see. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

Wright fought through the degenerative conditions throughout his career, but still managed to become one of the most prolific players of his era. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024

But after years of professional dancing, her back was in tatters: slipped discs, arthritis and degenerative disease. —Sarah Handel, NPR, 18 Dec. 2024

By refining our ability to reprogram cells, researchers may develop more efficient therapies for repairing damaged tissues, treating degenerative diseases or even engineering new organs. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1846, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

degenerative

adjective

de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive di-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-iv 

-ˈjen-(ə-)rət-iv

: of, relating to, or tending to cause degeneration

a degenerative disease

Medical Definition

degenerative

adjective

de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive di-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-iv  -ˈjen-(ə-)rət- 

: of, relating to, involving, or tending to cause degeneration

degenerative conditions of the nervous system

—Morris Fishbein

degenerative changes

a degenerative muscle disorder