Medical Dictionary
2degenerate
vi de·gen·er·ate \di-ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt\
de·gen·er·at·edde·gen·er·at·ing
Medical Definition of DEGENERATE
1
: to sink into a low intellectual or moral state
2
: to pass from a higher to a lower type or condition: as a : to gradually deteriorate so that normal function or structure is impaired or lost <the retina degenerated> b : to decline from the standards of a species, race, or breed
3
: to evolve or develop into a less autonomous or less functionally active form <degenerated into dependent parasites>
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up degenerate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).