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degenerate
degenerate definition
de·gen·er·ate (dē jen′ər it, di-; for v., -āt′)
adjective
- having sunk below a former or normal condition, character, etc.; deteriorated
- 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
- to lose former normal or higher qualities
- to decline or become debased morally, culturally, etc.
- Biol. to undergo degeneration; deteriorate
Related Forms:
- degenerately de·gen′·er·ately adverb
- degenerateness de·gen′·er·ate·ness noun
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