retrogradation

noun

ret·​ro·​gra·​da·​tion ˌre-trō-grā-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce retrogradation (audio)
-grə-
: the action or process of retrograding

Examples of retrogradation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This is because during the process of retrogradation, some starch molecules form granules that are even more tightly associated than the bonds in the original starch granule. Elsbeth Sites, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2016 Low temperatures congeal everything the dough has absorbed and accelerate the staling process, or retrogradation. John Kennedy, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retrogradation.' 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

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrogradation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near retrogradation

Cite this Entry

“Retrogradation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrogradation. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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