Negative or pejorative connotatoins of this word may render it offensive in some contexts. (1) Deterioration; passing from a higher to a lower level or type. (2) A worsening of mental, physical, or moral qualities. (3) A retrogressive pathologic change in cells or tissues in consequence of which their functions are often impaired or destroyed; sometimes reversible; necrosis results in the early stages. SYN: retrograde metamorphosis. SYN: degeneratio.anterograde, retrograde [L. degeneratio]
