2. (Biol.)
Defn: To fall off from the normal quality or the healthy structure of its kind; to become of a lower type.
DEGENERATELY
De*gen"er*ate*ly, adv.
Defn: In a degenerate manner; unworthily.
DEGENERATENESS
De*gen"er*ate*ness, n.
Defn: Degeneracy.
DEGENERATION
De*gen`er*a"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. dégénération.]
1. The act or state of growing worse, or the state of having become worse; decline; degradation; debasement; degeneracy; deterioration. Our degeneration and apostasy. Bates.
2. (Physiol.)
Defn: That condition of a tissue or an organ in which its vitality has become either diminished or perverted; a substitution of a lower for a higher form of structure; as, fatty degeneration of the liver.