regenerate

1 of 3

adjective

re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈje-nə-rət 

-ˈjen-rət

1

: formed or created again

2

: spiritually reborn or converted

3

: restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state

regenerately adverb

regenerateness noun

regenerate

2 of 3

verb

re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈje-nə-ˌrāt 

regenerated; regenerating; regenerates

intransitive verb

1

: to become formed again

2

: to become regenerate : reform

3

: to undergo regeneration

transitive verb

1

a

: to subject to spiritual regeneration

b

: to change radically and for the better

2

a

: to generate or produce anew

especially : to replace (a body part) by a new growth of tissue

b

: to produce again chemically sometimes in a physically changed form

3

: to restore to original strength or properties

regenerable

ri-ˈje-nə-rə-bəl 

-ˈjen-rə-

adjective

regenerate

3 of 3

noun

re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈje-nə-rət 

-ˈjen-rət

: one that is regenerated: such as

a

: an individual who is spiritually reborn

b(1)

: an organism that has undergone regeneration

(2)

: a regenerated body part

Synonyms

Verb

• freshen
• recharge
• recreate
• refresh
• refreshen
• rejuvenate
• renew
• repair
• restore
• resuscitate
• revitalize
• revive
• revivify

Examples of regenerate in a Sentence

Verb

The lizard's tail can regenerate.

The lizard is able to regenerate its tail.

The tissue cells can regenerate themselves.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The scientists believe this shouldn't be a problem, though, as the small number of affected cells would be quickly regenerated by the body. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2024

The tendency for terrorist movements targeted by the U.S. to regenerate after major military setbacks, even after their leaders have been killed, has been an enduring pattern for the past four American Presidents. —Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2024

Noun

The entire left eye and optic nerve were transplanted, and stem cells from the donor’s bone marrow were transplanted along with them in the hopes of helping the optic nerve regenerate. —Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 9 Nov. 2023

Movements to advocate for nature’s right to exist, thrive, and regenerate could have a myriad of positive impacts to slow biodiversity loss across the world. —Midori Paxton, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English regenerat, from Latin regeneratus, past participle of regenerare to regenerate, from re- + generare to beget — more at generate

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1551, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

regenerate

1 of 2 adjective

re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈjen-(ə-)rət 

: spiritually reborn or renewed

regenerate

2 of 2 verb

re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt 

1

: to cause to be reborn spiritually

2

: to reform completely in ways of thinking and behaving

3

: to generate or produce again

especially : to replace (a lost or damaged body part) by a new growth of tissue

4

: to give new life to : revive

land regenerated by rotation of crops

Medical Definition

regenerate

verb

re·​gen·​er·​ate ri-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt 

regenerated; regenerating

intransitive verb

1

: to become formed again

2

: to undergo regeneration

the human bladder and liver can regenerate when injured

transitive verb

1

: to generate or produce anew

especially : to replace (a body part) by a new growth of tissue

2

: to produce again chemically sometimes in a physically changed form

regenerable

-ˈjen-(ə-)rə-bəl 

adjective