regenerative

[ ri-jen-er-uh-tiv, -uh-rey-tiv ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by regeneration.
2. tending to regenerate.

Other Words From

• re·gener·a·tive·ly adverb
• nonre·gener·a·tive adjective
• nonre·gener·a·tive·ly adverb
• unre·gener·a·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of regenerative¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Medieval Latin word regenerātīvus. See regenerate, -ive

Example Sentences

"Now we can co-opt this same strategy to advance our efforts to build synthetic multicellular structures -- and eventually tissues and organs -- for regenerative medicine."

From Science Daily

Microfluidic technology has become increasingly important in many scientific fields such as regenerative medicine, microelectronics, and environmental science.

From Science Daily

However, other creatures have much stronger regenerative abilities.

From Science Daily

This discovery has implications beyond evolutionary biology, potentially informing new advances in regenerative medicine.

From Science Daily

Nor would Kennedy have the power to reform farm subsidies to encourage organic and regenerative agriculture.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artistic
• developmental

More About Regenerative

What does regenerative mean?

Regenerative means able to or tending to regenerate—to regrow or be renewed or restored, especially after being damaged or lost.

The act or process of regenerating is regeneration. Regenerative is most commonly used in the context of biology to describe the properties of organisms or environments that are capable of regrowth. In animals, tissue, organs, or other body parts that have been injured or lost are sometimes regenerated. In some animals, regeneration happens on an even greater scale, with some being able to regrow an entire limb or tail. Environments that have been damaged or destroyed, like forests or grasslands damaged by fire, can also regenerate. Such things are said to have regenerative properties.

Regenerative is also commonly used in a figurative way to describe actions that are intended to renew or restore.

Example: Scientists are studying the regenerative properties of the hydra in hopes of shortening the healing process after injuries.

Where does regenerative come from?

The first records of the word regenerative come from the 1300s. It ultimately comes from the Latin verb regenerāre, meaning “to bring forth again.” The prefix re- means “again” and generate means “capable of producing or creating.”

In the natural world, plants and animals regenerate in many different ways. Some regenerative plants can regrow from a single part—such as when you plant a chunk of carrot or potato and it sprouts again. Some simple organisms, like the hydra, have regenerative properties that allow them to regenerate even after being torn apart. In humans, hair and skin are always regenerating, but even some organs are regenerative, such as the liver and the lungs.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to regenerative?

• regeneratively (adverb)
• nonregenerative (adjective)
• regenerate (verb)

What are some synonyms for regenerative?

• restorative

What are some words that share a root or word element with regenerative? 

• regeneration
• generation
• generate

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing regenerative?

• properties
• power
• ability
• tissue
• organ
• body
• part
• regrow
• renew
• grow

How is regenerative used in real life?

Regenerative can be used in many different contexts, but it’s most commonly used in biology.

Aged, sedentary mice that received plasma transfusions from exercising mice gained the regenerative effects on the brain without having to hit the running wheel themselves. The results may help identify new therapeutic approaches to healthy brain aging ($) https://t.co/OyaZVChlv2

— Science Magazine (@ScienceMagazine) July 14, 2020

Farmers Hatch Plan to Return Area the Size of Dorset to Nature:

Rewilding an area the size of Dorset, reintroducing lynx, pelicans & beavers & championing regenerative farming to restore soil health are the radical aims of a new group of British farmers.https://t.co/iu32yj5F63 pic.twitter.com/wCVia92sq6

— Natural Capital Coalition (@NatCapCoalition) July 14, 2020

Social and economic justice go hand in hand. I've been asked for my thoughts on how to create permanent, systemic, regenerative change and decided to share my roadmap more broadly. Please read my op-ed in the @washingtonpost https://t.co/P4y4Mi9fV5

— Robert F. Smith (@RFS_Vista) July 16, 2020

 

 

Try using regenerative!

Which of the following things could be described as regenerative? 

A. an organ than can regrow
B. the ability of an organism to regrow a limb
C. a policy intended to restore a community
D. all of the above