n. [ L. regeneratio: cf. F. régéneration. ] 1. The act of regenerating, or the state of being regenerated. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Theol.) The entering into a new spiritual life; the act of becoming, or of being made, Christian; that change by which holy affectations and purposes are substituted for the opposite motives in the heart. [ 1913 Webster ]
He saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Chost. Tit. iii. 5. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. (Biol.) The reproduction of a part which has been removed or destroyed; re-formation; -- a process especially characteristic of a many of the lower animals; as, the regeneration of lost feelers, limbs, and claws by spiders and crabs. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. (Physiol.) (a) The reproduction or renewal of tissues, cells, etc., which have been used up and destroyed by the ordinary processes of life; as, the continual regeneration of the epithelial cells of the body, or the regeneration of the contractile substance of muscle. (b) The union of parts which have been severed, so that they become anatomically perfect; as, the regeneration of a nerve. [ 1913 Webster ]