degenerative

[/dɪˈdʒɛn.ə.rə.tɪv/]
adjective
degenerativo
1. relating to or characterized by degeneration; showing progressive decline in physical or mental function
The patient was diagnosed with a degenerative disease that would gradually worsen over time.
O paciente foi diagnosticado com uma doença degenerativa que pioraria gradualmente ao longo do tempo.
2. causing or tending to cause moral or social decline
The critic argued that the film had a degenerative effect on society.
O crítico argumentou que o filme tinha um efeito degenerativo na sociedade.
3. characterized by or resulting from degeneration of cells, tissues, or organs
Degenerative joint disease is common in elderly populations.
A doença articular degenerativa é comum em populações idosas.
This term is primarily used in medical and scientific contexts in both Brazilian Portuguese and English. In Brazil, it is commonly heard in healthcare settings when discussing age-related conditions. The word carries clinical neutrality in medical discourse but may carry negative connotations when used in social or moral contexts, similar to English usage.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
deterioratingdecliningworseningregressiveprogressive (in medical context)
Antonyms / Antônimos
regenerativeimprovingprogressive (in positive sense)constructive

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
degenerativo
standard medical and general usage
Rio de Janeiro
degenerativo
same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
degenerativo
same as general Brazilian Portuguese; common in medical contexts
Portugal
degenerativo
identical usage; sometimes 'degenerante' in older texts

Related Words

degeneratedegenerationdegeneracydiseasedecline

Related Idioms & Phrases

degenerative disease
degenerative joint disease
degenerative disc disease
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