regenerate

adjective re·gen·er·ate \ -rət \

Definition of regenerate

1 :formed or created again

2 :spiritually reborn or converted

3 :restored to a better, higher, or more worthy state

—

regenerately

adverb

—

regenerateness

noun

See regenerate defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of regenerate

Middle English regenerat, from Latin regeneratus, past participle of regenerare to regenerate, from re- + generare to beget — more at generate

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First Known Use: 15th century

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regenerate

verb re·gen·er·ate \ ri-ˈje-nə-ˌrāt \

Definition of regenerate

intransitive verb

1 :to become formed again

2 :to become regenerate :reform

3 :to undergo regeneration

transitive verb

1 a :to subject to spiritual regeneration

b :to change radically and for the better

2 a :to generate or produce anew; especially :to replace (a body part) by a new growth of tissue

b :to produce again chemically sometimes in a physically changed form

3 :to restore to original strength or properties

—

regenerable

play \-ˈje-nə-rə-bəl, -ˈjen-rə-\ adjective

See regenerate defined for English-language learners

Examples of regenerate in a Sentence

The lizard's tail can regenerate.
The lizard is able to regenerate its tail.
The tissue cells can regenerate themselves.

Recent Examples of regenerate from the Web

The forecast was made before Harvey even managed to regenerate into a hurricane and was nothing but a ragged collection of thunderstorms over the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

— brian k sullivan, Bloomberg.com, "Lack of a Storm Surge Keeps Harvey From Katrina, Sandy Status," 27 Aug. 2017
Here are examples of current and potential applications in basic research and medicine. Captivated by stem cells and their potential to regenerate tissues, other labs were starting to make organoids.

— gunjan sinha, Science | AAAS, "This scientist is building miniature guts, livers, and lungs that could save your life one day," 23 Aug. 2017
Evidence supports vigorous exercise, which fosters blood flow, helps regenerate tissues and, by increasing heat, promotes the release of oils in the eyes.

— jane e. brody, idahostatesman, "Take steps to minimize irritation from dry eyes," 4 Aug. 2017
Since the first Doctor regenerated back in 1966, the concept of the Doctor as a constantly evolving being has been central to the programme.

— maureen lee lenker, PEOPLE.com, "BBC Politely Shuts Down Doctor Who Casting Backlash," 19 July 2017
But there's really nothing scientifically proven to regenerate tissue, particularly in arthritic joints.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Baby Boomers turn to stem cells for help with painful joints," 17 July 2017
The central character, known only as the Doctor, can travel across space and time and can regenerate into new bodies – allowing for endless recasting of the role.

— don sweeney, sacbee, "Joy, outrage greet news that woman will be next ‘Doctor Who’ star," 16 July 2017
And some have suggested that being quiet for stretches of time can actually help regenerate brain cells, which is being studied for the treatment of Alzheimer’s.

— jordi lippe-mcgraw, CNT, "Silent Retreats Are the Latest in Digital Detox Vacations," 13 July 2017
If ISIS is not to regenerate in Mosul, a tinderbox of ethnic and sectarian rivalries, able governance and massive reconstruction will be needed.

— tim lister, CNN, "Where does ISIS go after Mosul?," 10 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'regenerate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of regenerate

circa 1525

regenerate Synonyms

Synonyms

freshen, recharge, recreate, refresh, refreshen, renew, rejuvenate, repair, restore, resuscitate, revitalize, revive, revivify

Related Words

make over, overhaul, reclaim, recondition, reconstitute, redesign, redevelop, redo, reengineer, refurbish, rehab, rehabilitate, remake, remodel, renovate; refill, replenish, resupply; modernize, update

Near Antonyms

extinguish, kill, quench, suppress

regenerate

noun re·gen·er·ate \ same as ¹regenerate \

Definition of regenerate

:one that is regenerated: such as

a :an individual who is spiritually reborn

b (1) :an organism that has undergone regeneration

(2) :a regenerated body part

First Known Use of regenerate

1551

REGENERATE Defined for English Language Learners

regenerate

verb

Definition of regenerate for English Language Learners

biology : to grow again after being lost, damaged, etc.
: to give new life to (something)

REGENERATE Defined for Kids

regenerate

verb re·gen·er·ate \ ri-ˈje-nə-ˌrāt \

Definition of regenerate for Students

regenerated; regenerating

:to grow (as a lost body part) once more

Medical Dictionary

regenerate

verb re·gen·er·ate \ ri-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt \

medical Definition of regenerate

regenerated; regenerating

intransitive verb

1 :to become formed again

2 :to undergo regeneration

the human bladder and liver can regenerate when injured

transitive verb

1 :to generate or produce anew; especially :to replace (a body part) by a new growth of tissue

2 :to produce again chemically sometimes in a physically changed form

—

regenerable

play \-ˈjen-(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective

Learn More about regenerate

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regenerate

Definition of regenerate

regenerately

regenerateness

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Origin and Etymology of regenerate

regenerate

Definition of regenerate

regenerable

Examples of regenerate in a Sentence

Recent Examples of regenerate from the Web

First Known Use of regenerate

regenerate Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

regenerate

Definition of regenerate

First Known Use of regenerate

REGENERATE Defined for English Language Learners

regenerate

Definition of regenerate for English Language Learners

REGENERATE Defined for Kids

regenerate

Definition of regenerate for Students

Medical Dictionary

regenerate

medical Definition of regenerate

regenerable

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