degenerative
adjective
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Degenerative diseases—including cancer, glaucoma, Parkinson's, diabetes, arthritis, and leprosy—are usually contrasted with infectious diseases (diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa). However, many infectious diseases (Lyme disease, AIDS, etc.) can cause a body or body part to degenerate, and infective organisms play a part in some degenerative diseases. Some degenerative diseases can be controlled; some can even be cured. But no one has yet discovered a way to reverse such degenerative conditions as multiple sclerosis, emphysema, or Alzheimer's.
Examples of degenerative in a Sentence
Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 26 July 2024
Parkinson’s is a degenerative brain disorder that affects more than a half-million Americans.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2024
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has told reporters that the president has never been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, dementia or any similar degenerative neurological disorder.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 10 July 2024
The daughter of producer Gordon Gray and Kristen succumbed in her battle against the rare degenerative brain disorder Batten Disease CLN6.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 8 July 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Degenerative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/degenerative. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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degenerative
adjective
Medical Definition
degenerative
adjective
-ˈjen-(ə-)rət-
Morris Fishbein
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