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

The astronauts experimented using stem cells to study degenerative diseases, studied the effects of microgravity and UV radiation on plants and whether pressure cuffs could reduce health issues in astronauts. —Ty Roush, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Common conditions that can cause back pain with walking include degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. —Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024

The subject is Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer who died of a degenerative muscular disease at the age of 25. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2024

Prior to October, the officer's work was limited due to a degenerative medical condition, White said. —Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 14 Oct. 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