degeneracy

[ dih-jen-er-uh-see ]

noun

1. degenerate state or character.
2. the process of degenerating; decline.
3. degenerate behavior, especially behavior considered sexually deviant.
4. Physics. the number of distinct quantum states of a system that have a given energy.

degeneracy

/ dɪˈdʒɛnərəsɪ /

noun

1. the act or state of being degenerate
2. the process of becoming degenerate
3. physics the number of degenerate quantum states of a particular orbital, degree of freedom, energy level, etc

Other Words From

• nonde·gener·a·cy noun plural nondegeneracies
• prede·gener·a·cy noun
• unde·gener·a·cy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of degeneracy¹

First recorded in 1655–65; degener(ate) + -acy

Example Sentences

A few funny things happened this spring as the U.S. hurtled along the road to fiscal degeneracy.

From The Daily Beast

My father is convinced that everything I wear is newly bought, another marker in my ongoing pattern of degeneracy.

From The Daily Beast

Among High Churchmen, weakened by the secession, the growth of degeneracy was still more evident.

From Project Gutenberg

But in the course of time the Avesta was subjected to many additions and interpretations, called the Zend, which show degeneracy.

From Project Gutenberg

In spite of reforms by improved compositions and legislative measures the degeneracy of the Gilds proceeded apace.

From Project Gutenberg

It is by reason of the widely-reaching influence of their degeneracy that their later history is of importance.

From Project Gutenberg

Ignorance contributed to the rapid degeneracy of the people in the old home sections of New York.

From Project Gutenberg