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verb Uncommon

regenerate

ree-JEH-nuh-rayt

Regenerate (verb) means to grow new tissue to replace what was lost or damaged. Example: “A starfish can regenerate a lost arm over several months.”

verb
1
To grow new tissue to replace what was lost or damaged.
"A starfish can regenerate a lost arm over several months."
"Liver cells regenerate faster than most other tissue in the body."
2
To rebuild or renew something, especially in an improved way.
"The council hopes new investment will regenerate the old industrial district."

How to Use Regenerate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo grow back or rebuild something that was lost or worn out, whether it's living tissue or a run-down area.

Common pairings
regenerate tissue regenerate an area ability to regenerate

Word Forms

regenerated past tense, regenerates plural, regenerates singular

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Test yourself on “regenerate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

A starfish can _____ a lost arm over several months.

Etymology

From Latin regeneratus, "born again," from re- plus generare, "to produce, beget."

Origin: Latin

Antonyms

uncreate ungenerate degenerate

Related Words

Rhymes for regenerate

See all rhymes for regenerate →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “regenerate” mean?

The word “regenerate” means to grow new tissue to replace what was lost or damaged. In plain terms, to grow back or rebuild something that was lost or worn out, whether it's living tissue or a run-down area.

How do you pronounce “regenerate”?

“Regenerate” is pronounced ree-JEH-nuh-rayt (/ɹiːˈd͡ʒɛnəɹeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “regenerate” in a sentence?

Here is “regenerate” used in a sentence: “A starfish can regenerate a lost arm over several months.”

What is the opposite of “regenerate”?

The opposite of “regenerate” — its antonyms — are uncreate, ungenerate and degenerate.

What part of speech is “regenerate”?

“Regenerate” is a verb.

Where does the word “regenerate” come from?

The word “regenerate” comes from Latin. From Latin regeneratus, "born again," from re- plus generare, "to produce, beget.".

Is “regenerate” a common word?

“Regenerate” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “regenerate” have?

“Regenerate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to grow new tissue to replace what was lost or damaged.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial