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 So too is the degenerative brain disease CTE — chronic traumatic encephalopathy — which has been posthumously diagnosed in hundreds of NFL players whose brains were donated to researchers for examination. Becky Sullivan, NPR, 24 Sep. 2024 Topline Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre on Tuesday revealed he's been diagnosed with the degenerative nervous system disease Parkinson's, making the announcement while testifying before the House of Representatives. Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 According to Boston University researchers, 90% of former NFL players have shown signs of the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is caused by frequent concussions. Steven Martinez, Journal Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2024 Oxidative stress is one of the main contributors to damage from degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for degenerative 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'degenerative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of degenerative was circa 1846

Dictionary Entries Near degenerative

Cite this Entry

“Degenerative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degenerative. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on degenerative

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