senescent Hear it!

senescent Definition

se·nes·cent (sə nesənt)

adjective

growing old; aging

Etymology: L senescens, prp. of senescere, to grow old < senex, old: see senate

senescent Related Forms

se·nes·cence (-əns) noun

senescent Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

cell: Senescence produces ' genetic death ' , in that the senescent cell is incapable of further propagation.

Used with adjective complement

become: Once this cap reaches a certain length, cell division stops and the cell becomes senescent.