degenerative

adjective

de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive di-ˈje-nə-rə-tiv How to pronounce degenerative (audio)
-ˈjen-rə-;
-ˈje-nə-ˌrā-;
dē-
: of, relating to, involving, or causing degeneration
a degenerative disease

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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
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 degenerative joint disease occurs when the protective cartilage in joints wears down, causing pain, stiffness and limited movement. Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 25 June 2025 Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare degenerative disease that causes progressive paralysis of the muscles. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 19 June 2025 The team said the move, retroactive to Sunday, is due to lumbar degenerative disk disease. Beth Harris, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 In theory, scanning the entire body could reveal tumors, cysts, aneurysms, fatty liver or degenerative disease before symptoms emerge. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for degenerative

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of degenerative was circa 1846

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Cite this Entry

“Degenerative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degenerative. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

degenerative

adjective
de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive di-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-iv How to pronounce degenerative (audio)
-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 How to pronounce degenerative (audio) -ˈjen-(ə-)rət- How to pronounce degenerative (audio)
: of, relating to, involving, or tending to cause degeneration
degenerative conditions of the nervous systemMorris Fishbein
degenerative changes
a degenerative muscle disorder

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