HealthAugust 16, 2026

neurodegenerative

NOO-roh-DEH-jen-uh-ruh-tiv

Definition

Relating to or characterized by the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons in the brain or nervous system.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'neuron' (nerve) and the Latin 'degenerare' (to degenerate or decline from one's kind), it entered English medical terminology in the late 19th century.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe vanishing white matter (VWM), a severe condition where the gradual decline of nerve cells leads to the loss of motor and intellectual capabilities in young children.

Existing Blood Pressure Drug May Slow Rare Childhood Brain Disease: Study

Read the full article ↗

Ommcom News

Related words

amnesia

A condition characterized by a partial or total loss of memory, often resulting from…

Health

anesthesiology

The branch of medicine concerned with the total perioperative care of patients, including…

Health

angiogenesis

The physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels.

Health

anosognosia

A neurological condition in which a person is unaware of or denies their own physical or…

Health

aphasia

A language disorder resulting from brain damage that impairs a person's ability to…

Health

bioactive

Having an effect upon or eliciting a response from living tissue, typically referring to…

Health

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.