What does "regeneration" mean?

1. (urban renewal) the process of improving a place or system, especially by making it more modern or successful. 2. (biological regrowth) the natural process of a body part growing back or healing after it has been damaged. 3. (spiritual rebirth) a change in someone's life where they become more religious or moral. 4. (feedback loop) a way to make a radio or electronic signal stronger by sending it back through a circuit.

How do you use "regeneration"?

Often used in the context of urban planning or economic policy.

regeneration

US //ɹiˈdʒɛnɝˈeɪʃən// UK //ɹiːdʒˌɛnəɹˈeɪʃən// re·gen·er·a·tion

1 urban renewal (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the process of improving a place or system, especially by making it more modern or successful.

the process of revitalising an area, institution, or system through investment and restructuring.

Example

The city council invested millions in the regeneration of the old docks.

Example

Economic regeneration in the post-industrial north depends heavily on improving transport links and providing incentives for technology startups.

Usage

Often used in the context of urban planning or economic policy.
- renewal
- revitalisation
- rebirth
- decline
- decay
2 biological regrowth (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

the natural process of a body part growing back or healing after it has been damaged.

the natural replacement or restoration of damaged or missing cells, tissues, or organs in a living organism.

Example

Some lizards are famous for the regeneration of their tails after an attack.

Example

Stem cell research offers the potential for the regeneration of damaged nerve tissue in patients with spinal cord injuries.
- regrowth
- healing
- atrophy
- degeneration

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3 spiritual rebirth (n.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Literary Religion

a change in someone's life where they become more religious or moral.

the state of being spiritually reborn or the transition from a worldly life to a pious one.

Example

The monk spoke about the spiritual regeneration of the soul through prayer.

Example

The novel explores the protagonist's moral regeneration as he seeks to atone for the crimes of his youth.
- rebirth
- reformation
4 feedback loop (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

a way to make a radio or electronic signal stronger by sending it back through a circuit.

the process of increasing the amplification of an electronic signal through a positive feedback loop.

Example

Early radio receivers used regeneration to pick up distant stations.

Example

The engineer adjusted the regeneration control to increase the receiver's sensitivity without causing the circuit to oscillate uncontrollably.
- feedback