degeneration Hear it!

degeneration definition

de·gen·er·ation (dē jen′ər ā′s̸hən; di-)

noun

  1. the process of degenerating
  2. a degenerate condition
  3. Biol. deterioration or loss of a function or structure in the course of evolution, as in the vestigial eyes of many cave animals
  4. Med. deterioration in structure or function of cells, tissues, or organs, as in disease or aging

Etymology: LL degeneratio

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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