senescence
/si'nesns/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The state or process of being old or aging: "Senescence" refers to the condition of becoming old, specifically the biological process of aging in living organisms.
- The characteristic decline in biological function associated with aging: It denotes the gradual deterioration of physiological functions that is typical of advanced age.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Cellular senescence is a key area of study in biology. (The process of cells aging is a key area of study in biology.)
- The senescence of the plant was marked by yellowing leaves. (The aging of the plant was indicated by its leaves turning yellow.)
- Researchers are investigating ways to delay human senescence. (Researchers are looking into methods to slow down human aging.)
Advanced Usage
- "Replicative senescence": A state where cells can no longer divide, a hallmark of cellular aging.
- Replicative senescence limits the number of times a cell can divide.
- "Induced senescence": When senescence is triggered prematurely by factors like stress or DNA damage.
- Chemotherapy can cause induced senescence in cancer cells.
Variants and Related Words
- Senescent (adj): Being in a state of senescence; aging.
- The senescent tree stood in the middle of the field.
- Senesce (verb, less common): To grow old; to undergo senescence.
- Some organisms senesce very rapidly.
Synonyms
- Aging: The process of growing old.
- Decline: A gradual physical or mental weakening (often used in the context of aging).
Antonyms
- Youth: The period of being young.
- Juvenescence: The state of being youthful or the process of growing young.
Related Phrases and Concepts
- "Hayflick limit": The number of times a normal human cell population will divide before cell division stops, a concept related to cellular senescence.
- "Anti-senescence therapy": Treatments aimed at combating the effects of aging.
Noun
- the property characteristic of old age
- the organic process of growing older and showing the effects of increasing age