de·gen·er·ate 
(dĭ-jĕnər-ĭt)
(dĭ-jĕnər-ĭt)adj.
1. Having declined, as in function or nature, from a former or original state: a degenerate form of an ancient folk art.
2. Morally corrupt or given to vice.
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 Relating to or being a gene that has multiple codons for the same amino acid.
n.
A depraved or corrupt person.
intr.v. (-ə-rāt′) de·gen·er·at·ed, de·gen·er·at·ing, de·gen·er·ates
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.
[Latin dēgenerātus, past participle of dēgenerāre, to depart from one's own kind, deteriorate : dē-, de- + genus, gener-, race; see genə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
de·gener·ate·ly adv.
de·gener·ate·ness n.
- fallaciously
- fallaciousness
- fallacy
- fall afoul
- fallal
- fallalery
- fall apart
- fall away
- fall back
- fallback
- fall back on
- fall back on/upon
- fall back upon
- fall behind
- fall between (the) two stools
- fall between the two stools
- fall between two stools
- fallboard
- fall by the wayside
- fall down
- fallen
- faller
- fallfish
- fall flat
- fall for