degenˈeracy noun

1. The act or process of becoming degenerate
2. The state of being degenerate

degenˈerately adverb

degenˈerateness noun

degenˈerāting adjective

degenerāˈtion noun

1. The act or process of degenerating
2. The breakdown, death or decay of cells, nerve fibres, etc
3. An evolutionary change from a complex structural form to a simpler one

degenerāˈtionist noun

Someone who believes that the tendency of human beings is not to improve, but to degenerate

degenˈerative adjective

Tending or causing to degenerate

degenˈerous adjective (obsolete)

degenerative joint disease same as osteoarthritis (see under osteo-).