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

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters in a contentious briefing that Biden has seen a neurologist three times as part of his routine physicals, and has not been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or any other degenerative neurological disease. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2024

The degenerative nervous system disease can affect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. —Lisa Respers France, CNN, 9 July 2024

The degenerative signs noted in the cervical spines are likely due to the scribes' typical working position. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 27 June 2024

As it is known, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 33 years ago in 1991, a feat many people who are diagnosed with the degenerative disease don’t experience. —Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 30 June 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