senescence

se·nes·cence

noun \si-ˈne-s^ən(t)s\

Definition of SENESCENCE

1

: the state of being old : the process of becoming old

2

: the growth phase in a plant or plant part (as a leaf) from full maturity to death

— se·nes·cent \-s^ənt\ adjective

Origin of SENESCENCE

senescent, from Latin senescent-, senescens, present participle of senescere to grow old, from sen-, senex old

First Known Use: 1695

Other Physiology Terms

eructation, flux, gustatory, menarche, myopia, torpor