degenerate
degenerate
(dĭ-jĕnʹər-ĭt) adjective
1.
Having declined, as in function or nature, from a former or original state: a degenerate form of an ancient folk art.
2.
Having fallen to an inferior or undesirable state, especially in mental or moral qualities.
3.
Physics. Taking on several discrete values or existing in two or more quantum states: degenerate energy levels.
4. Physics. Characterized by great density and consisting of atoms stripped of electrons: degenerate matter.
5. Medicine. Characterized by degeneration, as of tissue, a cell, or an organ.
6. Biology. Having lost one or more highly developed functions, characteristics, or structures through evolution: a degenerate life form.
7. Genetics. a. Coding for the same amino acid as another codon. b. Having more than one codon specify the same amino acid. Used of a genetic code.
noun
1.
A depraved, corrupt, or vicious person.
2.
A person lacking or having progressively lost normative biological or psychological characteristics.
verb
, intransitive
degenerated
, degenerating, degenerates (-ə-rāt)
1.
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.
2.
To decline in quality: The quality of his writing degenerated as he continued to drink.
3.
To undergo degeneration.
[Latin dēgenerātus past participle of dēgenerāre, to depart from one's own kind, deteriorate : dē-, de- + genus, gener-, race.]
degen
ʹerately adverb
degen
ʹerateness noun