Standard Lemma guide

senesce

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /səˈnɛs/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -ɛs

1

verb

Meaning 1

To grow older; to reach maturity.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • All living organisms senesce.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

grow old or older

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • She aged gracefully
  • we age every day--what a depressing thought!
  • Young men senesce

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: age, get on, mature, maturate

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: develop

Narrower terms: turn, fossilize, fossilise, dote

History

Etymology

From Latin senēscere (“to grow old”).