1. a degenerate form of an ancient folk art. 2. Having fallen to an inferior or undesirable state, especially in mental or moral qualities. 3. degenerate energy levels. 4. degenerate matter. 5. Characterized by degeneration, as of tissue, a cell, or an organ. 6. a degenerate life form. 7. Coding for the same amino acid as another codon. 8. Having more than one codon specify the same amino acid. Used of a genetic code. 9. A depraved, corrupt, or vicious person. 10. A person lacking or having progressively lost normative biological or psychological characteristics. 11. old water pipes that are degenerating with age; a dispute that degenerated into a brawl. 12. The quality of his writing degenerated as he continued to drink. 13. To undergo degeneration.
