senescence
suh-NESS-unss
/sɪˈnɛsəns/
The condition or process of biological aging; the gradual deterioration of functional characteristics in living organisms.
A technical term used in biology to describe why cells stop dividing and how bodies wear out.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'senex', which also gave us 'senior' and 'senate' (originally a council of elders). The suffix '-escence' means 'the process of becoming'.
Word relationships
- aging: 'Aging' is the common term; 'senescence' is the precise biological term.
- rejuvenation: The process of making someone or something look or feel younger or more lively.
Commonly confused with
- senility: 'Senility' refers to mental decline; 'senescence' refers to the physical/biological process of aging.
Word family
- senescent (adjective): Growing old; aging.
Collocations
- cellular senescence
- replicative senescence
- delayed senescence
Example sentences
- "Cellular senescence is a mechanism that prevents the proliferation of damaged cells." Biology
- "The brilliant colors of autumn leaves are actually a sign of leaf senescence." Botany
Memory hook
Senescence... Sensing the essence of old age. The science of aging.
When not to use
Too formal for casual conversation; use 'aging' instead.
Fun facts
- Some organisms, like the 'immortal jellyfish', are thought to avoid senescence by reverting their cells to an earlier stage.
Explore more words
degenerative, degradation, deteriorate, wither, degenerate, atrophy
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