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Webster 1913 Edition


Retrogression

Reˊtro-gres′sion

,
Noun.
[Cf. F.
rétrogression
. See
Retrograde
, and cf.
Digression
.]
1.
The act of retrograding, or going backward; retrogradation.
2.
(Biol.)
Backward development; a passing from a higher to a lower state of organization or structure, as when an animal, approaching maturity, becomes less highly organized than would be expected from its earlier stages or known relationship. Called also
retrograde development
, and
regressive metamorphism
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Retrogression

RETROGRES'SION

,
Noun.
The act of going backward.

Definition 2024


retrogression

retrogression

See also: rétrogression

English

Noun

retrogression (plural retrogressions)

  1. A deterioration or decline to a previous state.
    • 1849, Hogg's Weekly Instructor (page 388)
      History and experience, the enshriners of the past, and investigation, the discoverer of the present and preparer for the future, will prevent retrogression.
    • 1908, The Three Initiates, The Kybalion: Hermetic Philosophy:
      Suns spring into being, and then their height of power being reached, the process of retrogression begins, and after aeons they become dead masses of matter, awaiting another impulse which starts again their inner energies into activity and a new solar life cycle is begun.
  2. (biology) A return to a less complex condition.

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