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degenerate definition

de·gen·er·ate (dē jen′ər it, di-; for v., -āt′)

adjective

  1. having sunk below a former or normal condition, character, etc.; deteriorated
  2. morally corrupt; depraved

Etymology: L degeneratus, pp. of degenerare, to become unlike one's race, degenerate < degener, not genuine, base < de-, from + genus, race: see genus

noun

a degenerate person, esp. one who is morally depraved or sexually perverted

intransitive verb degenerated -·at′ed, degenerating -·at′·ing

  1. to lose former normal or higher qualities
  2. to decline or become debased morally, culturally, etc.
  3. Biol. to undergo degeneration; deteriorate

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