Definition of degenerative
: of, relating to, involving, or causing degeneration a degenerative disease
Read the Latest from M-W
Recent Examples of degenerative from the Web
-
One is Parkinson's disease , which is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that afflicts the motor system.
-
In the second are more than 25 friends and acquaintances whom Gordon — disabled by degenerative motor neuron disease — can call on for a ride to the doctor or a trip to the grocery store.
-
Now, afflicted with primary progressive aphasia, a type of degenerative dementia, Ms. Zausner can no longer prepare lobster in Champagne sauce from L’Auberge de L’Ill or salmon in sorrel sauce from Jean Troisgros.
-
The couple then had a daughter, Karen, in 1971, who was diagnosed with a degenerative disease that halted her intellectual and muscular development as a baby.
-
Reign, a retired West Hartford dog suffering from severe degenerative back disease, was euthanized Wednesday after a final ride in a cruiser to the police station.
-
Wheatcroft, who has been diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease and has been recognized as blind for the past 11 years, started off at noon local time on Friday and kept up a extremely good pace during the race’s early stages.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'degenerative'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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.
First Known Use of degenerative
circa 1846
Other Biology Terms
DEGENERATIVE Defined for English Language Learners
degenerative
playDefinition of degenerative for English Language Learners
-
medical : causing the body or part of the body to become weaker or less able to function as time passes
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of degenerative
: of, relating to, involving, or tending to cause degeneration degenerative conditions of the nervous system—Morris Fishbein degenerative changes a degenerative muscle disorder
Learn More about degenerative
-
See words that rhyme with degenerative Spanish Central: Translation of degenerative Nglish: Translation of degenerative for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of degenerative for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up degenerative? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!