degenerative
|de-gen-er-a-tive|
C1
/dɪˈdʒɛnərətɪv/
(degenerate)
decline in quality
Etymology
Etymology Information
'degenerative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'degenerare,' where 'de-' meant 'down from' and 'generare' meant 'to produce.'
Historical Evolution
'degenerare' transformed into the French word 'dégénérer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'degenerate' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to fall from a former state,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'causing or relating to degeneration.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or tending to cause degeneration, especially of tissue, cells, or organs.
Degenerative diseases often worsen over time.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/04 08:57