senescence

  1. Noun.  (biology) The state or process of ageing, especially in humans; old age.
  2. Noun.  (context, cell biology) Ceasing to divide by mitosis because of shortening of telomeres or excessive DNA damage.
  3. Noun.  (gerontology) Old age; accumulated damage to macromolecules, cells, tissues and organs with the passage of time.
  4. Noun.  (botany) Fruit senescence, leading to ripening of fruit.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.