retrogradation

noun

ret·​ro·​gra·​da·​tion ˌre-trō-grā-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce retrogradation (audio)
-grə-
: the action or process of retrograding

Examples of retrogradation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is because during the process of retrogradation, some starch molecules form granules that are even more tightly associated than the bonds in the original starch granule. Elsbeth Sites, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2016 Low temperatures congeal everything the dough has absorbed and accelerate the staling process, or retrogradation. John Kennedy, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrogradation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near retrogradation

Cite this Entry

“Retrogradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrogradation. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!