AGING DEGRADATION Meaning and
Definition
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Aging degradation refers to the process of deterioration or impairment that occurs over time due to the natural progression of age. It is a phenomenon that affects various organic and inorganic materials, systems, or organisms, resulting in a decline in their functional capabilities and overall performance.
In materials science and engineering, aging degradation commonly occurs in metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Exposure to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, UV radiation, and chemical substances can accelerate the aging process. Over time, this degradation can manifest in various forms, including corrosion, cracking, embrittlement, delamination, and fading of physical properties like strength, flexibility, and color. The resulting material degradation may compromise safety, reliability, or efficiency, necessitating maintenance or replacement.
In biological contexts, aging degradation refers to the progressive decline in physiological functions and the increased vulnerability to diseases or disorders experienced by living organisms as they grow older. These effects can manifest in a range of ways, including reduced cognitive abilities, loss of muscular strength, diminishing sensory capabilities, weakened immune system, and increased risk of chronic illnesses. Although aging is a natural and inevitable process, factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences may influence the rate at which this degradation occurs.
Overall, aging degradation refers to the series of physical, chemical, or biological changes that occur over time and result in the declining performance or functionality of materials, systems, or organisms.
Etymology of AGING DEGRADATION
The word "aging degradation" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two words: "aging" and "degradation".
Here is the etymology for each word:
1. Aging: The term "aging" comes from the Old French word "aage", which means "age, lifetime". It originated from the Latin word "aetatem", meaning "period of life" or "age". The English word "aging" began to be used in the 17th century, referring to the process of growing older or the passage of time.
2. Degradation: The word "degradation" comes from the Latin word "degradare", which means "to reduce in rank or status". It comprises two Latin roots: "de-" meaning "down" and "gradus" meaning "step" or "rank".
