degenerate

(dĭ-jĕnˈər-ĭt)

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 Relating to two or more quantum states that share the same quantum numbers: 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 Having more than one codon that may code for the same amino acid.

1. A depraved, corrupt, or vicious person.
2. A person lacking or having progressively lost normative biological or psychological characteristics.

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.

Related Forms:

• de·genˈer·ate·ly adverb

• de·genˈer·ate·ness noun