senescence JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/sɨnˈɛsəns/ · sen·es·cence
noun
- The state or process of ageing, especially in humans; old age. As people enter senescence, they often experience a decline in physical and mental abilities.
- Ceasing to divide by mitosis because of shortening of telomeres or excessive DNA damage. The cell's senescence was a result of prolonged exposure to radiation.
- Old age; accumulated damage to macromolecules, cells, tissues and organs with the passage of time. The effects of senescence can be seen in the wrinkles and grey hair of the elderly.
Did you know? The concept of senescence has been studied extensively in the field of gerontology, which is the study of the process of ageing and the promotion of healthy ageing.