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Degeneracy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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degeneracy

[dɪˈdʒɛnərəsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

genetics

The condition or fact of being degenerate, especially in the sense of having lost some or all of the qualities proper to one's species or kind, often as a result of evolutionary change.

Synonyms

decay, degeneration, deterioration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
degeneracy

Used to describe a state of moral or cultural decline, often with a negative connotation.

  • The city fell into a state of degeneracy due to rampant corruption and crime
deterioration

Refers to the process of becoming progressively worse in physical, mental, or quality aspects.

  • The deterioration of the building was evident from the cracks in the walls
degeneration

Describes the process of decline in physical, moral, or mental qualities.

  • The athlete suffered from muscle degeneration after years of strenuous activity
decay

Typically refers to the gradual destruction or deterioration of physical objects or organic matter.

  • The old house showed signs of decay as the wood started to rot

Examples of usage

  • Scientists studied the degeneracy of the gene in the population.
  • Genetic degeneracy can lead to various abnormalities.
Context #2 | Noun

physics

The property of the genetic code in which a given amino acid can be coded by one or more different codons.

Synonyms

multiplicity, redundancy, variability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
degeneracy

In scientific contexts, especially in physics or chemistry, it refers to the condition where two or more different states share the same energy level.

  • The concept of degeneracy is important in quantum mechanics.
  • Understanding electron degeneracy pressure is crucial for studying white dwarf stars.
redundancy

Often has a negative connotation, referring to something that is unnecessarily repetitive or superfluous. In the workplace, it might also refer to job loss due to positions being deemed unnecessary.

  • The report was criticized for containing too much redundancy.
  • Due to technological advancements, many workers faced redundancy.
multiplicity

Used to describe a large number or variety of something, often in a neutral or positive context to emphasize diversity or multiple aspects.

  • The multiplicity of cultural traditions makes the region unique.
  • His argument was supported by a multiplicity of data points.
variability

Generally used in neutral or scientific contexts to describe differences or fluctuations within a dataset or system.

  • The variability in temperatures is explained by climate patterns.
  • There is considerable variability in the test scores among the students.

Examples of usage

  • The concept of degeneracy in the genetic code enhances its robustness.
  • In the genetic code, degeneracy allows for some redundancy in codon usage.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In genetics, degeneracy refers to the redundancy of the genetic code, where multiple sequences can code for the same amino acid.
  • In physics, degeneracy can describe a state where different configurations yield the same energy level, particularly in quantum mechanics.
  • Biological degeneracy means different organisms or systems can perform similar functions despite having different structures.

Pop Culture

  • The term appears in various forms of media to indicate moral decline or corruption, often in dystopian narratives.
  • Many songs and films explore themes of degeneracy regarding social behavior and ethics.
  • In video games, degeneracy can refer to characters or elements that break rules or behave in unexpected, often detrimental ways.

Psychology

  • The concept can relate to discussions about moral degradation, where societal values may decline over time.
  • Psychologists study how environments foster degenerative behavior, believing that context can heavily influence moral choices.
  • Terms like 'degenerative behavior' are used to describe actions that cause harm to oneself or society, often linked to addiction or criminality.

Literature

  • In literature, degeneracy often represents moral themes, with characters who fall from grace or decline in virtue.
  • Classic works, such as those by Thomas Hardy, showcase characters whose lives reflect societal decay or personal degeneration.
  • Modern writers use the term to critique culture, focusing on characters that embody the breakdown of civility or ethical standards.

Origin of 'degeneracy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'degenerare,' which means to decline or become worse.
  • It was first used in English in the late 17th century to refer to biological decline.
  • Over time, the term expanded to describe moral or social decline.

The word 'degeneracy' originates from the Latin word 'degenerare', meaning 'to become worse'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century, primarily used in a biological context to describe the deterioration or loss of qualities in organisms. Over time, its usage expanded to other fields such as genetics and physics, reflecting the concept of variability and redundancy. Today, 'degeneracy' remains a key term in various scientific disciplines to denote the loss of original characteristics or the existence of multiple codes for the same function.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,373, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.