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de·gen·er·ate
 (d  -j  n   r- t)
KEY
ADJECTIVE:
- Having declined, as in function or nature, from a former or original state:
a degenerate form of an ancient folk art.
- Having fallen to an inferior or undesirable state, especially in mental or moral qualities.
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Physics
Relating to two or more quantum states that share the same quantum numbers:
degenerate energy levels.
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Physics
Characterized by great density and consisting of atoms stripped of electrons:
degenerate matter.
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Medicine
Characterized by degeneration, as of tissue, a cell, or an organ.
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Biology
Having lost one or more highly developed functions, characteristics, or structures through evolution:
a degenerate life form.
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Genetics
Having more than one codon that may code for the same amino acid.
NOUN:
- A depraved, corrupt, or vicious person.
- A person lacking or having progressively lost normative biological or psychological characteristics.
intr.v.
de·gen·er·at·ed
,
de·gen·er·at·ing
,
de·gen·er·ates
(- -r  t  )
- To fall below a normal or desirable state, especially functionally or morally; deteriorate:
old water pipes that are degenerating with age; a dispute that degenerated into a brawl.
- To decline in quality:
The quality of his writing degenerated as he continued to drink.
- To undergo degeneration.
ETYMOLOGY:
Latin d genertus, past participle of dgenerre, to depart from one's own kind, deteriorate : d-, de- + genus
, gener-, race; see gen- in Indo-European roots
OTHER FORMS:
de·gener·ate·ly
(Adverb),
de·gener·ate·ness
(Noun)
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