Langimage
English

deteriorator

|de/te/ri/o/ra/tor|

C1

🇺🇸

/dɪˈtɪriəˌreɪtər/

🇬🇧

/dɪˈtɪəriəˌreɪtə/

agent of degradation

Etymology
Etymology Information

'deteriorator' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deteriorare,' where 'deterior' meant 'worse.'

Historical Evolution

'deteriorare' transformed into the French word 'détériorer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'deteriorate' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to make worse,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an agent or factor that causes something to become worse or degrade over time.

The constant exposure to moisture acted as a deteriorator for the wooden structure.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/11 16:43