neurodegenerative

adjective

neu·​ro·​de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive ˌnu̇r-ō-di-ˈje-nə-rə-tiv How to pronounce neurodegenerative (audio)
-ˈjen-rə-;
-ˈje-nə-ˌrā-;
-dē-, 
ˌnyu̇r-
: relating to or marked by degeneration of nervous tissue

Examples of neurodegenerative in a Sentence

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Given the promising data for brain health noted above, birding might also prove helpful for cognitive conditions involving attention and memory, ranging from ADHD to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. — The Conversation, Fortune, 27 July 2026 Three weeks after Johnson, 40, revealed his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the progressive neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no cure, the Titans announced their plan to induct him into the ring of honor. — Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026 Neurologists are warning that popular weight-loss medications could have severe negative effects on neurodegenerative conditions like ALS. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2026 The loss of the sense of smell is often one of the first warning signs of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease even up to a decade before there are other diagnosable symptoms. — Richard Sima, Washington Post, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for neurodegenerative

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neurodegenerative was in 1907

Phrases Containing neurodegenerative

Rhymes for neurodegenerative

See All Rhymes for neurodegenerative

Browse Nearby Words

neurochord
neurodegenerative
neurodegenerative disease
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Neurodegenerative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurodegenerative. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

neurodegenerative

adjective
neu·​ro·​de·​gen·​er·​a·​tive -di-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt-iv, -di-ˈjen-(ə-)rət- How to pronounce neurodegenerative (audio)
: relating to or characterized by degeneration of nervous tissue
neurodegeneration
-di-ˌjen-ə-ˈrā-shən, -ˌdē- How to pronounce neurodegenerative (audio)
noun
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