DEGENERATIVE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does degenerative mean? 

• DEGENERATIVE (adjective)
  The adjective DEGENERATIVE has 1 sense:

1. (of illness) marked by gradual deterioration of organs and cells along with loss of function

  Familiarity information: DEGENERATIVE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DEGENERATIVE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(of illness) marked by gradual deterioration of organs and cells along with loss of function

Context example:

degenerative diseases of old age

Similar:

chronic (being long-lasting and recurrent or characterized by long suffering)

Derivation:

degenerate (grow worse)

 Context examples 

A rare degenerative genetic disorder with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance that primarily affects the central nervous system.

(Cerebrooculofacioskeletal Syndrome, NCI Thesaurus)

It is usually associated with the presence of lymphoid follicles and degenerative changes.

(Multilocular Thymic Cyst, NCI Thesaurus)

Polyps may be neoplasms, foci of inflammation, degenerative lesions, or malformations.

(Nasal Cavity Polyp, NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

Causes include infection, autoimmune processes, degenerative processes, and trauma.

(Arthritis, NCI Thesaurus)

An inherited degenerative disorder involving the peripheral nerves.

(Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, NCI Thesaurus)

A rare transmittable degenerative disorder of the brain caused by prions.

(Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, NCI Thesaurus)

A rare degenerative disorder that affects the spine.

(Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis, NCI Thesaurus)

Degenerative nerve diseases affect many of your body's activities, such as balance, movement, talking, breathing, and heart function.

(Degenerative Nerve Diseases, NIH)

An oncocytoma with cystic degenerative changes.

(Cystic Oncocytic Neoplasm, NCI Thesaurus)

A group of genetic degenerative muscle disorders affecting the muscles of the lower arms, hands, lower legs, and feet.

(Distal Muscular Dystrophy, NCI Thesaurus)