neurodegenerative

adjective

neu·​ro·​de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive ˌnu̇r-ō-di-ˈje-nə-rə-tiv 

-ˈjen-rə-;

-ˈje-nə-ˌrā-;

-dē-,

ˌnyu̇r-

: relating to or marked by degeneration of nervous tissue

Examples of neurodegenerative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

May prevent the oxidative stress that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025

This Startup Is Building Nanoparticles To Connect Brains To Computers For people who are paralyzed or have neurodegenerative diseases, brain-computer interfaces offer a way to regain some measure of their independence and improve their communication. —Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

The curcumin in turmeric can cross the blood-brain barrier (the semi-permeable membrane that separates the blood from the brain tissue) and may decrease protein buildup associated with neurodegenerative diseases. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025

Albers and colleagues are interested in whether olfactory dysfunction — the sometimes-subtle loss of sense of smell — can serve as an early warning sign for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and traumatic brain injury. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neurodegenerative

• degenerative
• regenerative
• generative

Medical Definition

neurodegenerative

adjective

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

: relating to or characterized by degeneration of nervous tissue

neurodegeneration

-di-ˌjen-ə-ˈrā-shən, -ˌdē- 

noun