Degenerate: meaning, definitions and examples

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degenerate

 

[ dษชหˆdส’ษ›nษ™rษ™t ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics

Having no unique solution, as a system of equations that has more than one possible solution.

Synonyms

multiple, non-unique

Examples of usage

  • The system of equations is degenerate, as it has multiple solutions.
  • The degenerate case occurs when the determinant of the matrix is zero.
Context #2 | Adjective

biology

Showing evidence of decline, deterioration, or regression.

Synonyms

deteriorating, regressing

Examples of usage

  • The degenerate gene led to the abnormal growth of cells.
  • The degenerate species faced extinction due to habitat loss.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

A person whose behavior or morals have declined to a low or unacceptable level.

Synonyms

debauchee, profligate

Examples of usage

  • He was considered a degenerate by society due to his constant law-breaking.
  • The degenerate gambler lost all his money at the casino.

Translations

Translations of the word "degenerate" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น degenerar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฟเค•เฅƒเคค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช degenerieren

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ merosot

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะตะณะตะฝะตั€ัƒะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zdegenerowaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้€€ๅŒ–ใ™ใ‚‹ (taika suru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉgรฉnรฉrer

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ degenerar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dejenere olmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ‡ดํ™”ํ•˜๋‹ค (toehwa hada)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุฏู‡ูˆุฑ (tahawwur)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ degenerovat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ degenerovaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้€€ๅŒ– (tuรฌhuร )

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ degenerirati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rรฝrnun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะตะณั€ะฐะดะฐั†ะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ”แƒ’แƒ”แƒœแƒ”แƒ แƒแƒชแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ degenerasiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ degenerar

Etymology

The word 'degenerate' has Latin roots, coming from the combination of 'de-' meaning 'down from' and 'generare' meaning 'to generate'. Originally used in the context of physics and mathematics to describe elements that have a lower rank than expected, it later expanded to include moral or biological decline. The term gained popularity in the 19th century and continues to be used in various fields today.

See also: degeneration, generating, generative, regenerate, regenerator.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,799, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.