degradativeadj.
/dɪˈɡreɪdətɪv/ Causing degradation.
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the world > life > biology > biological processes > development, growth, or degeneration > [adjective] > degeneration or disruption
degradational1863
vestigial1877
disruptic1889
degradative1940
1940 Jrnl. Research Nat. Bureau of Standards Oct. 452 They involve the use of treatments which are known to have a degradative effect on the protein.
1950 New Biol. 8 101 Enzymes are capable of accelerating synthetic as well as degradative reactions.
1958 New Scientist 12 June 174/3 The degradative diseases, the pathetic conditions in which it is plain..that some part of the human frame has been worn out by too much use.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1972; most recently modified version published online December 2018).
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adj.1940