Degenerative - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Degenerative describes a condition or disease that progressively worsens over time, often causing deterioration of function or structure in affected tissues, organs, or systems. Examples include Alzheimer's or arthritis.
Definition:
Relating to progressive deterioration, especially of bodily tissues or functions.
Synonyms:
deteriorating, declining, worsening, regressive
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
improving, regenerative
Common Collocations:
degenerative disease, degenerative condition, degenerative process, degenerative changes
Derivatives:
degeneratively, degeneration
Usage Tips:
Use "degenerative" to describe conditions that worsen over time, especially in medical contexts.
Common Phrases:
degenerative disorder, degenerative arthritis, degenerative myopia
Etymology:
From Latin "degeneratus," meaning "to decline from a former state."
Examples:
- 1. The doctor diagnosed him with a degenerative eye disease.
- 2. Her grandmother suffers from a degenerative neurological condition.
- 3. Exercise can slow down some degenerative processes in the body.
- 4. The research focuses on treatments for degenerative joint diseases.