Degenerate Definition
dĭ-jĕnər-ĭt
degenerated, degenerates, degenerating
adjective
Having declined, as in function or nature, from a former or original state.
A degenerate form of an ancient folk art.
American Heritage
Having sunk below a former or normal condition, character, etc.; deteriorated.
Webster's New World
Morally corrupt; depraved.
Webster's New World
Relating to two or more quantum states that share the same quantum numbers.
Degenerate energy levels.
American Heritage
Characterized by great density and consisting of atoms stripped of electrons.
Degenerate matter.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
noun
degenerates
A degenerate person, esp. one who is morally depraved or sexually perverted.
Webster's New World
verb
degenerated, degenerates, degenerating
To lose former normal or higher qualities.
Webster's New World
To decline or become debased morally, culturally, etc.
Webster's New World
To decline in quality.
The quality of his writing degenerated as he continued to drink.
American Heritage
To undergo degeneration; deteriorate.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Origin of Degenerate
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From Latin degeneratus, past participle of degenerare (“to degenerate”), from degener (“ignoble”), from de (“from, down”) + genus (“race, kind”); see genus, general.
From Wiktionary
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Latin dēgenerātus past participle of dēgenerāre to depart from one's own kind, deteriorate dē- de- genus gener- race genə- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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