# senescence

> English word · Noun · IPA /sɪˈnɛ.səns/ · frequency rank #52,623

## Definitions
1. The state or process of ageing, especially in humans; old age.
2. Ceasing to divide by mitosis because of shortening of telomeres or excessive DNA damage.
3. Old age; accumulated damage to macromolecules, cells, tissues and organs with the passage of time.
4. Fruit senescence, leading to ripening of fruit.
5. Condition when the cell ceases to divide.

## Etymology
From senescent + -ence.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/senescence