Definition

A process where certain substances, like starch, change structure and can lead to a decline or backward movement.

Example

The retrogradation of the starch caused the bread to become stale after a few days.

Conversation

I learned something new about bread the other day.

Oh really? What was it?

It has to do with retrogradation and how it makes bread stale over time.

That's interesting! I never knew there was a term for that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Retrogradation → It is formed from "retro-" (meaning backward) and "gradatio" (from Latin "gradus", meaning step or degree). The word describes the act of moving backward or a backward step in progress.

Memory Tip

Think of moving 'backward' ('retro-') as taking a 'step' ('gradus') back in progress — that's what retrogradation means.

Visually Confused Words